Short-term measures to ensure Macao residents of an adequate supply of infant formula have been announced due to recent changes in supply on the market, according to the Office of the Chief Executive.

The announcement was made today after the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, convened an inter-departmental meeting at the Government Headquarters where the Secretary for Economic and Finance Mr Tam Pak Yuen, and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U’s, reported the latest development and the actions taken.

Since a shortage of milk powder could affect babies’ health, which is considered as a public health emergency, Mr Chui stressed that the Government has to implement stabilising measures to assist local residents in buying powdered milk for their personal use.

The Chief Executive also instructed the related department to closely monitor its supply and marketing and to keep in touch with suppliers. At the same time more frequent inspections would be carried out and Macao Customs would continue to closely monitor people leaving Macao.

The new measures call for residents who need infant formula to register with the authorities on a voluntary basis: distributors would then ensure they can buy an adequate quantity. Details will be announced by the Health Bureau and the Macao Consumer Council.

The meeting today was also attend by the Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ms Cheong So Mui, Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping, acting Director of the Macao Economic Services, Mr Tai Kin Ip, President of Executive Committee, Mr Wong Hon Neng, Director of the Health Bureau, Mr Lei Chin Ion and other health officials.