Members of the New Macau Gaming Workers’ Rights Union yesterday submitted a petition, addressed to Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On, urging the government to implement a blanket ban on smoking in all the gaming areas of the city’s casinos.
Speaking to reporters after handing the petition to an official outside Government Headquarters, Cloee Chao Sao Fong, the union’s president, slammed Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam Chon Weng for talking “nonsense” on Monday by claiming that the setting-up of smoking lounges meeting “high standards” could ensure that casino workers’ health will not be jeopardised.
Chao said studies cited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) clearly point out that no smoking lounge can ensure that people outside will not be affected.
Flanked by two fellow members, People Power Vice Chairman Cheong Weng Fat (centre, seated at the table) addresses yesterday’s press conference about his union’s backing of casino smoking lounges, at the office of lawmakers Antonio Ng Kuok Cheong and Au Kam San in Iao Hon. Photo: People Power
Accompanied by fellow members, New Macau Gaming Workers’ Rights Union President Cloee Chao Sao Fong (third from right) yesterday shows reporters the findings of her union’s recent survey while one of her fellow members (second from right) hands their petition to an official (first from right) outside Government Headquarters. Photo: MPDG
