Tourists from China's mainland may call the familiar "110" hotline now if they are in trouble in Macao.

"Anybody can seek aid through the hotline if they meet emergent accidents at any time," said Cheong Kuoc Va, secretary for security of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government.

Another hotline, "112", has been put into use to hear complaints from and provide assistance for the visitors from other countries and regions. The old hotline "999" will remain effective.

Cheong said that the three hotlines will be in service around the clock to provide more convenience for the tourists from worldwide.

The public security has continued to improve in the first quarter of this year, he said, citing that the number of crime cases involving violence has dropped 34.6 percent, and those committed by the youngsters were down 8.9 percent year-on-year.

Cheong vowed to exert greater efforts to strike against crimes and protect local residents and visitors.

(Xinhua 05/15/2001)