Construction on Melco Resorts’ luxury hotel Morpheus at City of Dreams in Macau has been halted for the second time in as many months after Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho redirected all 2,000 construction workers to assist in relief efforts following Typhoon Hato.
The extraordinary step saw the workers join government-led restoration efforts in the city’s worst-affected areas throughout the weekend in the wake of the devastating storm, which has left thousands of residents without power and water.
Melco Resorts also set aside a MOP$30 million cash fund to assist those affected, while some staff have volunteered services “to help clear debris, distribute bottled water and support the immediate needs of the general public.”
Construction on Morpheus was suspended for two weeks in July following the death of a construction worker in an on-site accident.
In a statement, Mr Ho said, “This is the worst typhoon Macau has seen in over half a century. Melco and I personally are 100% committed to sharing our collective resources to help the city and its people arrive at a swift and total restoration of order, including our own employees.”
Gaming companies Macau-wide announced further relief efforts over the weekend, with MGM China Holdings Ltd, MGM Resorts and MGM China co-Chair and Executive Director Ms Pansy Ho pledging another MOP$30 million.
“The staff of MGM Macau has been exceptional, contributing their time and efforts in the face of this challenge,” said Ms Ho. “We stand ready to utilize our resources in any manner we can for a swift and sustainable recovery of our local community.”
Junket operator Suncity Group said it had donated MOP$5 million to affected families and organized disaster relief operations in conjunction with the Inspirational Youth Association, Associação Geral Desportiva dos Naturais Fukien de Macau and Member of the Legislative Assembly Mr Si Ka Lon.
Suncity Group’s Senior Vice President of Corporate & Community Relations, Ms Gina Lei, said, “Mr Alvin Chau (Suncity Group CEO) hopes to rebuild the city as soon as possible and as a Macau enterprise, we want to contribute to society.
“Other than donating MOP$5 million to those in need, we are also actively organizing disaster relief operations. After coordinating with IACM, the Areia Preta area is assigned to us for following up. I know that many Macau residents offer help after the disaster in different ways, which is very warm and touching, and I think everyone should do so.”
A number of companies also announced efforts to support staff, with Sands China distributing 10,000 bottles of water to team members “whose families were in need of clean drinking water due to water outages after the storm.”
“Additional break times have been allotted for team members and rest areas have been set up in air-conditioned function rooms at all properties, equipped with a total of 1,000 rollaway beds for team members unable to return home between breaks or before and after shifts,” it said. “For team members who feel unsafe staying at their own homes because of extensive storm damage, temporary accommodation has been provided at Sands China properties. And the team member shuttle service, dining rooms and health clinic are back in normal operation.”
Sands China Presient Dr Wilfred Wong added, “As a company with its roots here, we care deeply about our team members and feel a responsibility to provide them with assistance during this time.
“Our hearts go out to all the people of Macau during this period of recovery. We understand the difficulties we are all facing as members of the same community, and it’s been very moving to see people from all walks of life coming together to clean up and support one another. The people of Macau have strong and resilient spirits and we are proud to be a part of this wonderful community.”
Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) responded to criticism on social media of its actions in the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Hato by offering MOP$1,000 to all of its operational team members and compassionate paid leave for those unable to work between 23 to 25 August.
“While GEG regrets that not everything was handled perfectly as there were emergency situations and many difficulties when Hato was hitting us strong, the company is also trying the best in order to provide assistance to its team members,” it said.
“GEG understands that all team members have done their best in this difficult situation and has made … special provisions in the hope of ensuring that team members who need to take care of their families and attend to urgent household emergencies will have the flexibility and necessary means of support, and their work attendance will not be adversely impacted.
“Since Typhoon Hato, GEG has been gathering its team members who wish to volunteer and they have visited the affected areas to provide water and food to those in need. GEG will further finalize plans to mobilize team members to volunteers to assist the community in many of the tasks needed to restore homes and neighborhoods.
“During this difficult period of time, GEG would like to express its heartfelt gratitude for all team members for working in close unity, and convey its sincere compassion to all affected team members.
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