The Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, urged police officers to work harmoniously and be more transparent in performing their duties in serving the community.

The work of the police is closely related to the people’s livelihood and rapid developments in the society have made bigger demands on their services. But they have won recognition from the community with the way they have tackled challenges, he said.

Mr Wong made these comments as he embarked on his first visits to various units in his newly-appointed capacity of Secretary for Security, to better understand the work of frontline officers and to listen to their views.

Accompanying Mr Wong on his visits were Chief of Office the Secretary for Security, Ms Cheong Ioc Ieng; Director-General of the Macao Customs, Ms Lai Man Wa; Assistant Director-General, Mr Sin Wun Kao and Mr Ng Kuok Heng; Commissioner General of the Unitary Police Service, Mr Ma Io Kun; and Commissioner of the Public Security Police Force, Mr Leong Man Cheong.

Mr Wong visited the Macao Customs headquarters and their posts at the Border Gate checkpoint on 5 January. The following day he visited the Police Tactical Intervention Unit.

In meetings with Mr Wong, the officers said that in the face of increased demands for their services brought on by the completion of several large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the extended boundary-crossing hours of operation and the research project on Macao’s jurisdictions on its customary waters, they needed additional manpower and equipment.

Mr Wong praised the officers for their widely-recognised hard work that helped contribute to the prosperity and social stability of Macao and urged them to continue to face challenges and use of their best abilities to serve the community.