MACAO - Residents of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Tuesday started using consumption benefits through electronic payment, according to the SAR government.

As of noon Tuesday, around 444,000 Macao residents had collected the benefits and some of them had started using the e-vouchers, said the government's Economic and Technological Development Bureau.

Under an optimized plan announced in April, each Macao permanent and non-permanent resident ID holders is entitled to a start-up fund of 5,000 patacas (about $625.5) and a discount grant of 3,000 patacas for consumption.

As of Tuesday, around 555,000 residents had registered for the benefits. The e-vouchers can be used to purchase goods or services at most business venues in Macao, valid until the end of this year.