The Executive Council passed a bill to initiate Smart ID card in the SAR, said Council Spokesman, Tong Chi Kin.

According to the Macao Resident Identity Card Bill, all MSAR residents above 5-years-old are obliged to obtain the new Smart ID card.

General information such as name, gender, date and place of birth, and issue and expiration date of the card will be printed on the card, while marital status, fingerprints and other confidential information will be stored in the chip.

The bill also guaranteed the privacy of the ID card holders as well as the right to access their own information. The bill also stipulated the penalties for all illegal actions concerning the smart ID card.

Mr. Tong said that an ad hoc committee would be set up to study the necessity of adding other information onto the Smart ID card. Any proposed additions would be sent to the Chief Executive for consideration.

The bill will be submitted to the Legislative Assembly for approval.