Concerning a false news report of a local English media outlet that a tourist was detained for filming the employee’s card of a taxi driver due to overcharging, our Force hereby makes the following clarification in order to ensure a correct understanding of the facts:

In relation to a news report of a local English media outlet on 30 January (the 3^rd day of Lunar New Year) that while taking a taxi with her husband in Macao, a Filipino woman, who holds a Hong Kong resident identification card, had a dispute about the fare with the taxi driver and filmed the process of the taxi malpractice with a mobile phone.  Then the woman was brought to the Public Security Police Force and was detained for nearly 6 hours.  In view of the report which was inconsistent with the fact significantly, our Force has to clarify in order to ensure a correct understanding of the facts so as to avoid causing public misunderstanding or even unnecessary speculation.

Regarding the above incident, the taxi driver concerned admitted that he overcharged the above-mentioned woman, and our Force has handled the case appropriately.  On the other hand, investigation found that the content of the video clip only showed the malpractice of the taxi driver concerned and did not target on the personal privacy of the driver.  After a comprehensive analysis, it was concluded that the above-mentioned incident did not constitute a criminal offence and no one was detained in the incident.

We express deep regret for the false or unconfirmed news report of the related English media outlet that misled and confused the general public.

We appeal to the public not to believe in the related misleading news report.

Our Force reiterates that any operatorwho provides taxi service shall comply with the “Road Traffic Law” and the “Regulations for Transport of Passengers in Light Vehicles for Renting or Taxis” in order to provide legal transport service for the citizens and tourists.  We will uphold our consistent standpoint of law enforcement and sustain stringent combat of related illegal acts to ensure the rights and safety of the citizens and tourists and safeguard public interest and Macao’s tourism image.