The Public Security Police Force (PSP) forecast yesterday that the number of Macau border checkpoint entries and exits will reach between 5.2 million and 5.4 million during the Chinese mainland’s upcoming seven-day National Day “Golden Week” holiday from tomorrow to next Wednesday (October 1-7), averaging 740,000 to 770,000 per day, PSP Public Relations Division Chief Lei Tak Fai announced at a press conference yesterday.
Lei made the remarks about the government’s raft of special arrangements and measures for “Golden Week” during the press conference held at the Barrier Gate checkpoint.
Lei pointed out that the peak is anticipated to fall on October 3 and 4, with daily border crossings potentially surpassing 800,000.
Aiming to cope with the heavy traffic at various checkpoints during the holiday, the Public Security Police are maintaining close communication with the Macao Customs Service, the Zhuhai General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, and the Hong Kong Immigration Department, Lei said, adding that real-time data on traveller and vehicular flows will be shared to facilitate advanced crowd forecasting and contingency planning.
Lei said the government will dynamically deploy frontline police manpower based on real-time conditions at each checkpoint, open additional manual and automated clearance channels during peak hours, and implement crowd diversion and control measures.
Border crossing statistics comprise exits and entries by local residents, tourists, non-resident workers (NRWs), non-local students enrolled in local education institutions, Central People’s Government officials posted to Macau, foreign diplomats accredited in Macau, and others.
Meanwhile, the 34th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will continue tomorrow and on Sunday. As the pyrotechnic shows are expected to draw large crowds of residents and tourists, the Public Security Police Force will strengthen traffic control around Macau Tower, Avenida dos Jardins do Oceano (海洋大馬路), and nearby areas, Lei noted, adding that police drones will be deployed around Sai Van Bridge to monitor traffic flow, allowing officers to implement temporary road closures or traffic diversions in response to on-site conditions.
Regarding vehicular traffic, Macao Customs Service (SA) Inspection Division Acting Chief U Chin Keong projected that vehicle traffic peaks will occur on Saturday, pointing out that additional personnel will be deployed during peak hours to expand operational lanes, while communication mechanisms with the Chinese mainland authorities will be utilised to coordinate vehicle diversion and traffic relief on multiple fronts.
While the Chinese mainland’s National Day “Golden Week” will take place between tomorrow and next Wednesday, Macau’s National Day comprises two public holidays – tomorrow and on Friday (October 1-2).
Lei Tak Fai (centre), acting head of the Public Security Police’s (PSP) Public Relations Division; Macao Customs Service Inspection Division Acting Chief U Chin Keong, and other attendees look on during yesterday’s press conference about the government’s raft of arrangements and measures for Golden Week at the Barrier Gate checkpoint. – Photo: Ida Cheong
Border crossers queue at e-channels at the Barrier Gate checkpoint yesterday.
