Timeline of events

January

An infestation led to the temporary closure of three Royal supermarket branches and a restaurant after viral footage showed rodents feeding in a supermarket freezer.

The government launched a MOP4.8 million subsidy program to help catering businesses upgrade to smart equipment.

The Health Bureau warned that the Year of the Snake may deliver Macau’s lowest birthrate in decades.

International visitors rose 66% year-on-year in 2024, surpassing the two-million target by 21%.

February

Macau Post suspended some mail services to the United States amid a USPS policy reversal.

Several businesses closed during CNY due to poor profitability, underlining struggles faced by SMEs.

The United Nations warned that Macau has one of the world’s lowest fertility rates, at 0.68 children per woman.

The property sector faced its biggest slump in 40 years.

Two Macau residents died in a suspected explosion in Taiwan.

Macau SAR was included on the US list of “foreign adversaries,” according to a memo signed by Donald Trump.

March

Macau unveiled its Culture City of East Asia 2025 program, a year-long slate of cultural, tourism, and sports events themed “East–West Encounter, Asia in Harmony.”

The elections committee alleged that “mystery candidates” coerced nomination endorsements.

22 cats were adopted at a Jockey Club–Anima event amid backlash over Zhuhai relocation plans.

Taiwan considered tightening citizenship rules for Macau and Hong Kong residents.

New data ranked Macau among the world’s more polluted urban areas.

April

Two journalists from All About Macau were detained for allegedly disrupting Legislative Assembly proceedings.

The Health Bureau proposed licensing day hospitals to ease pressure on public healthcare.

Sam Hou Fai delivered his first Policy Address, spotlighting reform, fertility, and childcare.

The government announced that the “Macau Science 2” satellite is set to launch by 2027.

May

Animal rights groups warned of suspected dog poisonings.

GDP declined 1.3% in the first quarter.

Macau ranked among East Asia’s longest workweeks, according to the International Labour Organization.

The cash handout scheme was revised to exclude residents absent from the city for over six months.

“The House of Dancing Water” returned to Macau after a nearly five-year hiatus.

June

An earthquake was felt in Macau and Hong Kong.

Macau was included for the first time in the Global Muslim Travel Index.

The CAEAL ousted “Captain Macau” from the Legislative Assembly election bid.

The government unveiled an IP-themed ZAPE/NAPE revitalization plan.

All About Macau was barred from the Legislative Assembly for the second time.

AL candidate turnout hit a new low.

July

July marked the 20th anniversary of the Historic Centre of Macao’s inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which encompasses 30 heritage sites central to the city’s tourism identity.

Typhoon Signal No. 10 was issued for the first time in nearly two years.

An ICBC executive’s disappearance was linked to the Windsor Arch project.

Lawmaker Ron Lam was excluded from the Legislative Assembly’s direct election.

August

The first national security case saw Au Kam San arrested.

Four youths were killed in a traffic crash on Avenida da Amizade.

MGTO launched a 10-day ZAPE night market.

Per-capita visitor spending fell 13%.

Company closures dropped from a 25-year high.

September

The AL election campaign began with a focus on economic relief.

Typhoon Signal No. 8 was hoisted for 18 hours.

The Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro visited Macau and met with Sam Hou Fai.

China’s C909 jet made its inaugural Macau flight.

José Pereira Coutinho’s New Hope more than doubled its vote share as voter turnout surpassed 2021 levels, while traditional candidates lost ground.

October

Golden Week arrivals exceeded 780,000 visitors.

The government announced that minimum hourly wage is set to rise to MOP35 in 2026.

André Cheong was elected president of the Legislative Assembly.

IAM announced plans for a major children’s facility opening in 2028.

The NBA returned to Macau after a six-year hiatus.

November

Macau co-hosted the 15th National Games with Guangdong and Hong Kong for the first time.

Macau ranked sixth in Asia-Pacific tourism, according to PATA.

The government announced plans for a major cultural and tourism zone.

Sam Hou Fai delivered his second Policy Address and maintained cash handouts and SME tax relief.

Six satellite casinos shut down.

Authorities inspected construction sites following the deadly Tai Po blaze that claimed the lives of 161 residents.

December

Secretary Raymond Tam launched consultations on ride-hailing services.

Macau ranked fourth in the Asia-Pacific growth index.

Child sexual abuse cases surged 87%.

Old district revitalization shifted toward a community-led model.

Sam Hou Fai urged further economic diversification as 3,500 satellite casino staff transitioned.