The Macau Metro Monitor, August 13, 2012
MELCO CROWN INTERESTED IN RUSSIA PLAY Macau Business
According to the August issue of Macau Business Magazine, Marina Lomakina, the general director of Nash Dom Primorye, a state-owned company that will manage the Vladivostok entertainment zone, confirmed Melco expressed interest in investing in a new gaming and entertainment facility in the area along with Malaysia’s Genting Group. Nash Dom Primorye issued a request for concepts last month; an invitation for gaming companies to submit ideas for the first phase of the development of the zone. As of mid August, no proposals have been submitted; the deadline for submission is September 21.
RULES FOR SMOKING AREAS IN CASINOS "ALMOST" READY Macau Business
In response to an enquiry by Legislative Assembly member Lee Chong Cheng, “The government will publicise the requirements for setting up a smoking area in casinos within a short-time period,” wrote Manuel Joaquim das Neves, director of the bureau. The smoking ban was implemented earlier this year with enforcement beginning in early 2013. When the grace period expire, casinos will be able to set up dedicated smoking areas.
CHUI SAI ON SHOWERS MORE CASH Macau Business
On Friday, Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai announced that the government will increase a series of subsidies to help people deal with raising inflation and continue the cash hand-out policy in 2013
- Increase the monthly electricity subsidy it gives all households from MOP180 (US$22.5) to MOP200
- Increase the income ceiling to qualify for subsidized housing units to MOP19,355 for one-member households, up from MOP17,000, and to MOP38,710 for two-member families, up from MOP34,018. The increase should cover 80% of households in Macau
- Increase the temporary cash allowance to households waiting for public housing by 8%
NON-LOCAL WORKERS RAISE POPULATION TO NEARLY 570,000 Macau News
At June 30, 2012, Macau’s population rose to 568,700, increasing 5,800 March 31rst. The number of non-local workers (blue-card holders) was 102,557, up by 3,893 1Q12 and accounting for 18% percent city’s population at the end of June.
