Macau (MNA) – Concerns about the scope and development of the Macau SAR Civil Protection system have dominated the first session of the Legislative Assembly (AL) with the Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, on Monday, following the presentation of his policy address for 2018.
“We have verified there are insufficiencies, of mechanisms and systematization, especially in regards to the accountability mechanism,” explained the Secretary in reply to questions by legislators addressing the efficiency of the civil protection system after the damage caused by Typhoon Hato.
Mr. Wong pointed out that there is currently a lack of co-ordination between different parties, which justifies the creation of the Civil Protection and Contingency Co-ordination Bureau (DPCCC), which he announced in October.
Legislator Lam Iok Fong had questioned the Secretary about the aims of an improved or upgraded civil protection system and how its functions would be allocated in the future.
“What is the priority?” raised Ms. Lam, highlighting the need to clarify the ways equipment would be acquired, as well as the current deficiencies in terms of material used in rescue operations.
Questions from the legislator on the eventual transfer or substitution of the centre by “another institute,” and if this would require the centre to change facilities, went unanswered by the Secretary.
Kou Hoi In also raised questions about the mechanisms of civil protection which would be operating under the upgraded version of the system, referring to the creation of the DPCCC.
“What capacities and competencies will be attributed to this organism? What is its scope?” the legislator asked the Secretary.
The legislator also pointed out “the lack of co-ordination” between the DCPP and different departments, as one problem that should be addressed by the Secretary.
“Will the DCPP have competencies to mobilize different services? If it can only mobilize the security forces, it won’t be able to take advantage of its function,” suggested the legislator.
The Secretary claimed that the centre has the role of centralizing roles.
“Right now, each department is taking care of its own backyard,” the Secretary stated.
Mr. Wong also claimed this is an effort that concerns the society as a whole.
On the one hand, he said, “there is a lack of inspection during the days of the typhoon and it is giving a bad image to the security forces.” On the other, he highlighted, “the government has its responsibility, but so does the civil society.”
Concerns about the development of the new centre were also raised by Lao Chin Ngai, who questioned the Secretary about the costs and location of the centre, which he claimed, “involves high costs,” especially considering the lack of space in Macau.
“How will the government equip the centre for civil protection […and…] where will the DPCCC be located?” asked Mr. Lao.
In another reply to Legislator Lam Iok Fong, who questioned the government about the number of emergency lines operating during the passage of the Typhoon Hato, the Secretary explained that there are currently 47 open lines for emergency cases, noting additionally that the DPCCC will also have 30 open lines for emergency cases.
Later during the plenary session, a member of the government also claimed that a total of 18 more lines would be added at the Unitary Police service (SPU).
