The government will raise seniors’ discount on their Macau Pass cards from September 1, according to a press conference co-hosted on Friday by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) and the Macau Chamber of Commerce (ACM) about the continuation of the government’s consumption reward programme titled “National Games Cohesion – Community Consumption Grand Prix”.
DSEDT Director Yau Yun Wah announced the special discount for elderly residents during the press conference held at the ACM headquarters in Zape.
The senior citizens’ discount will be raised by two-thirds, from 300 patacas in the previous programme to 500 patacas from next Monday. The discount for the elderly - as well individuals with a disability – will be borne by the government, costing the Treasury 75 million patacas.
Yau said that the whole programme, only benefitting local residents, will start on September 1, involving 485 million patacas in total borne by the government, and end on November 30. The initiative largely follows the model of the previous “Community Consumption Grand Prix 2025,” including opportunities to redeem discounts and e-vouchers ranging from 10 to 200 patacas for weekend use.
Yau said that the programme aims to sustain Macau’s steady economic recovery during the upcoming, traditionally “low season for tourism”, while also aligning with the National Games’ “Games for All” spirit to further boost consumer market confidence through the event’s positive momentum.
The National Games, which will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, will be held from November 9 to November 21.
Yau also said that individuals holding a disability assessment certificate and who apply before this Thursday, would – same as senior citizens aged 65 and above– receive a “Care Card” containing 500 patacas in instant discount benefits. However, Yau stressed, the card cannot be claimed in duplicate with seniors’ discounts.
Yau said that all individuals who are 65 years of age or older by November 28 may use their Macau Pass Senior Card at over 100 designated service locations in Macau during the campaign period to tap their card and receive instant consumption discounts.
Those holding a disability assessment certificate may present their document at organisations and centres overseen by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) to collect a “Care Card” during the same period. Yau pointed out that the Social Welfare Bureau estimated that 8,000 individuals with a disability will be eligible to apply for the “Care Card”, with a projected budget of approximately 4.3 million patacas.
Yau said that the programme incorporates lessons learnt from the previous campaign and has considered public feedback. The programme offers instant discount benefits specifically to seniors and holders of disability assessment certificates, further enhancing the programme’s inclusivity and strengthening the sense of engagement among vulnerable groups, Yau said.
After the programme concludes, Yau said, the “Care Cards” can continue to be used as a standard Macau Pass card. Any remaining balance may be used for daily expenses until used up. Regarding the future use of the “Care Card”, Yau said that the government’s strong commitment to policy continuity and convenience, noting that further evaluation would depend on whether the card can be integrated systematically with similar future campaigns.
Yau also said that the budget for the consumer benefit scheme has increased by 65 percent, from 295 million patacas in the previous rewards campaign to 485 million patacas in the current one. He said that the initiative was launched after careful government deliberation as a temporary measure to stimulate the economy during the tourism sector’s low season, taking into account the current economic situation.
Yau noted that the government is aware that some businesses continue to face financial pressure and require time to adapt to new consumption patterns. The significant expansion in funding, he added, fully demonstrates the local government’s commitment to actively addressing societal needs and supporting the local economy amid challenging conditions. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the campaign would leverage the opportunity of the upcoming National Games to further boost public enthusiasm for consumption and foster economic vitality.
Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) Director Yau Yun Wah (second from left), Macau Chamber of Commerce (ACM) President Frederico Ma Chi Ngai and other representatives look on during Friday’s press conference at the ACM headquarters in Zape on Friday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
