According to a recent survey conducted by the Women’s General Association of Macau, more than 60% of local residents are concerned about layoffs or business closures, and about half worry about their income continuing to decline.
The “Survey on Macau Residents’ Opinions on SAR Government’s 2022 Pandemic Control Policy and Economic Aid Measures” was conducted online last month, collecting a total of 3,098 questionnaires.
When asked about the issues facing residents since the outbreak of the pandemic began, more than 60% of respondents expressed concern about “waves of layoffs, rising unemployment, and possible business closures,” with respondents About 50% of respondents are concerned that their overall income will continue to decline, and about 43% are concerned about the “uncertainty and unpredictable impact on society brought about by the pandemic.”
This year’s survey results are similar to 2020, reflecting employment and business conditions remain top concerns for residents
According to the latest official data, the overall Macau unemployment rate for May-July 2022 is 4.1%, the highest since September-November 2005, The unemployment rate reached 5.4% in May. The July 2022 period is the highest since such data became available in 2008.
Between May and July 2022, Macau’s overall underemployment rate (employees who involuntarily work less than 35 hours per week) will reach a record high of 13.4%, a record high of 13.4% in 1996. It is the highest since the data became available.
Aid package scores only 5.8 out of 10
Respondents were also asked to rate the government’s financial assistance package on a scale of 1 to 10 and scored only 5.8 points on average.
The survey also shows that nearly 40% believe financial aid is ineffective in alleviating the economic pressures that weigh on them.
Many of the residents who expressed dissatisfaction with the economic assistance measures were unemployed or housewives who were not eligible for subsidies for local employees, businesses and freelance professionals.
Regarding monthly income, 65.2% of respondents said that their current income is not enough to cover their daily living expenses as their income has decreased sharply due to the impact of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, opinions gathered on the upcoming second MOP10 billion aid package indicate that residents want the SAR government to offer cash distribution, household subsidies, or a new round of electronic consumption cards. I’m here.
