Macau’s public spending rose 4.9% year over year to MOP53.2 billion in the first seven months of the year, driven primarily by higher spending on social assistance and subsidies, according to official data. Social spending increased 14.7% to MOP31.3 billion, partly reflecting the introduction of a MOP54,000 subsidy for children up to three years old. Spending on public employees also decreased 1.3% to MOP9.25 billion, as government salaries remained unchanged for the second consecutive year. Current revenue increased 8.6% to MOP67.9 billion during the period. The figures indicate that the government continues to maintain a fiscal surplus despite higher social spending, with gaming revenue remaining the dominant source of public income.