The Macau Metro Monitor, January 14, 2013

 

SJM TO APPLY FOR MORE GAMING TABLES: ANGELA LEONG macaubusiness.com

After the Secretary for Economy and Finance Francis Tam said that some existing casinos will be entitled an increase to the number of live tables in operation, SJM executive director, Angela Leong, was quoted saying that SJM will soon apply for more gaming tables.  She also urged the government to accelerate the official land grant of SJM's land in Cotai.  While the company announced back in October 2012 that they had accepted the government's draft land concession for a 70,500 SQM plot in Cotai, the contract has yet to to be gazetted and made official.  SJM is the only concessionaire without a gazetted plot of land on Cotai. 

COMPANY PROBED IN TIAWAN IS A MELCO CROWN UNIT: REPORT macaubusiness.com

Previously reported HK firm being probed by Tiawanese prosecutors for allegedly carrying out large illegal money transfers on January 9 has been identified as a subsidiary of Melco Crown Entertainment.  Melco's head of corporate communications, Maggie Ma said " “Investigations are currently ongoing in Taiwan related to certain activities regulated by their banking regulations. We are not in a position to comment on the investigation.” However, she also said that “We believe our corporate activities are consistent with general market practice…None of Melco Crown’s corporate entities has been charged at the current time. If required, we will cooperate with the authorities.”

MAINLAND PLANS CARD-FORMAT PERMIT TO VISIT MACAU macaubusiness.com

In order to east border congestion, mainland custom authorities are considering implementing HK-Macau visitor permits in the form of a card that can be read by automatic checkpoints. The proposed card format would replace permits in booklets that mainlanders are currently using to enter Macau. 

NEW AIR ROUTE TO TAIWAN macaubusiness.com

A new air route with daily flights was opened opened on Saturday between Taichung in central Taiwan and Macau by TransAsia Airways. 

SINGAPORE STEPS UP PROPERTY CURBS TO BRING DOWN PRICES BBC News

Singapore authorities have introduced higher taxes on industrial and residential to reign in real estate prices, which have been rising despite a sluggish economy and previous government cooling measures. Stamp duty on residential property purchases is being increased from 10% to 15% for foreigners and corporations.  A 5-15% stamp duty is also being introduced for sellers of warehouses and factories occurring within 3 years of their purchase.