Macau Ups Giveaway Plan, Cuts Spend-first Condition

The government in Macau on Monday responded to citywide criticism of its latest giveaway plan by increasing the handouts from 4,800 patacas per resident to 8,000, and scrapping a controversial requirement for residents to spend first before receiving electronic vouchers.

Officials came under fire after they announced a complicated scheme in March that would have required residents to spend money on local businesses first before they receive electronic spending vouchers.

In light of the criticism, the government has now removed the spend-first arrangement in favour of a two-track system that offers discounts and vouchers without a spending prerequisite.

All residents of the casino hub – permanent or not – can get a direct 25-percent discount on any purchases, with the savings capped at 3,000 patacas per person.

They will also receive 5,000 patacas’ worth of electronic spending vouchers, but are limited to using 300 patacas per day.

The offers can be used jointly, meaning a resident can use 300 patacas to purchase goods worth 400 patacas after applying the 25-percent discount.

The scheme runs from June to December, and people can register online from next month whether to receive the handouts through consumption cards or e-payment platforms.

The government – which had also handed out 8,000 patacas in e-vouchers last year – said it hopes the giveaway programme would mobilise the entire community in boosting domestic spending.