MACAO-- Government of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has announced the creation of Environmental Protection and Energy Conservation Fund, providing financial support for purchasing green technology products and equipment, the Macao Daily Times reported on Thursday.

The newspaper quoted Cheong Sio Kei, director of the city's Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), as saying that the $50 million fund will be divided into several plans and that the first will be enforced around September.

Cheong, who made the remarks after the Executive Council gave a green light to the by-law establishing the fund yesterday, said that the policy targets commercial companies and associations, aiming at covering expenses related to the purchase or replacement of environmental-friendly products or other equipment aimed to boost energy efficiency or water saving.

According to the policy, the fund will grant 80 percent of the amount required, which cannot exceed 500,000 patacas ($62,500) and beneficiaries can only receive financial support once each year.

According to DSPA, atmospheric pollution is regarded as the main environmental issue in Macao. Therefore, the fund will focus on the reduction of gas emissions.

"Most complaints received by the bureau are related to the emission of smoke and bad smell from restaurants and bars, as well as gas emissions from workshops and factories," Cheong said