Macau was recently shaken by an incident involving a cleaver thrown from a high-rise building. Although residents’ concerns were somewhat alleviated following police intervention and the identification of the suspects, the incident has sparked widespread public concern and discussion. Given the multiple reports of dangerous objects being thrown from high-rise buildings in the area, I suggest that the Government consider criminalizing the act of throwing dangerous objects from buildings to prevent similar incidents.
Many residents were horrified by the incident and called for swift action and severe punishment. According to Macau’s current criminal legislation, if throwing an object from a building results in injuries or property damage, the perpetrator faces both criminal and civil liability. For example, if a resident accidentally drops a flower pot from their balcony and it strikes a passerby, they may be charged with negligent bodily harm under Article 142 of the Penal Code. However, if no injuries or property damage occur, the act is subject only to administrative penalties under the General Regulations on Public Spaces.
These Regulations stipulate that throwing objects or liquids from windows or balconies is subject to administrative penalties. I believe this provision primarily targets non-dangerous items, such as tissues, empty food containers, or water—common litter that does not usually cause bodily harm. The original intent was to regulate public hygiene, environmental quality, and quality of life, rather than public safety. Therefore, there is a legal loophole concerning the throwing of dangerous objects that threaten public safety but do not result in casualties or material damage.
Behind the intense discussion surrounding this incident are cultural and legal differences between Hong Kong and Macau. I recall an incident in Mong Kok where glass bottles and acid were thrown from a rooftop, causing panic in the community. Currently, such dangerous behavior that poses a threat to public safety is considered a criminal offense in Hong Kong. Anyone who drops or allows any object to fall from a building in a manner that endangers or harms others is guilty of an offense and is subject to a HK$10,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.
According to Hong Kong’s relevant regulations, criminal liability for throwing objects from a height does not necessarily require actual harm to occur but only that a “dangerous situation” is created. Therefore, I suggest that the relevant Government departments adopt the same legislative approach as Hong Kong and criminalize the act of throwing dangerous objects that pose a threat to public safety. This would enhance deterrence and help eliminate or reduce the occurrence of similar dangerous incidents.
Macau Economic and Livelihood Alliance
