In January, total public revenue rose by 21.5 percent, in comparison with the same period last year, to a total of MOP9.8 billion (US$1.2 billion).

This increment is due to noticeable increases in revenue from direct taxes on gaming, up by 24.2 percent, according to the Financial Services Bureau.

Total public expenditure for January was MOP1.1 billion, a sharp year-on-year drop of 40 percent.

A fiscal surplus of MOP8.7 billion was recorded in the first months of 2012, up by 39.4 percent from the same period last year.

The government has yet to announce the final budget execution figures for last year.