Melco, Gung Luen set up fund for workers affected by COVID-19 epidemic

Melco Resorts & Entertainment has donated five million patacas for the setting up of a special aid fund in collaboration with the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) to help workers with unstable incomes and are being affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the gaming operator said in a statement yesterday.

The federation is generally known as Gung Luen, its name in Cantonese.

The statement said that target beneficiaries of the fund donation include workers and self-employed persons such as taxi drivers, coach drivers and tour guides and their families, among others, and that Melco would work closely with Gung Luen to identify eligible beneficiaries and distribute the funds.

The statement quoted Melco Chairman & CEO Lawrence Ho Yau-lung as saying that the company stands hand in hand with the local community through these particularly difficult times.

“Our thoughts and concerns go to those families and persons affected by recent events,” Ho said, adding that the company would continue to work closely with the government to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its customers, colleagues, as well as their families and the community.

“We will do everything in our power to continue supporting those in need,” Ho said.

The statement also quoted FAOM President Lee Chong Cheng as saying that many workers are currently faced with reduced incomes as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic and are in dire need of assistance to tackle the rising pressure on their livelihoods.

The statement said that application details of the “Special Aid Fund for Workers in Need” would be announced in due course by Gung Luen, which would also be responsible for distributing the money once the applications have been approved.

This undated photo provided by Melco yesterday shows the company’s chief advisor Kent Wong (right) presenting a 5-million-pataca donation cheque to FAOM President Lee Chong Cheng for the setting-up of the “Special Aid Fund for Works in Need”.