PUBLIC WELCOMES OPENING OF GOV'T AGENCY COUNTERS DURING LUNCHTIME IN MELAKA

MELAKA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The public has welcomed the initiative by the state and Federal governments in Melaka to have their service counters open during lunch hours.

Fifty-four-year-old Azran Abdul Talip of Alai Perdana here said the approach not only gives added value to the state and Federal government agencies from the aspect of quality delivery but also allows the public to settle matters at the service counters without having to rush during office hours.

"I agree with the initiative implemented by the state government because most workers, especially from the private sector, only have their break times to settle some matters, like going to the Employees Provident Fund (EFP).

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"So, now we no longer need to rush or go out during working hours to settle matters at the service counters of state or Federal government agencies,” said Azran, a public sector employee who was at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) EPF branch here today to settle some matter regarding the withdrawal of savings to finance his son's studies at an institution of higher learning.

He said this when met by reporters after state Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem visited the MITC EPF branch to monitor the opening of service counters during lunch hours effective today.

Another customer, 47-year-old Tee Huey Wah, from Cheng, said the initiative allowed her to sort out her EPF account matters without having to rush for time.

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"It's good to do this, opening the counters during lunch hours. We have more time to deal with the staff at the counter. Even if we arrive late before the lunch hour, we need not worry about having to wait for a long time because the counters will remain open,” said the housewife.

Meanwhile, forty-one-year-old Siti Hawa Abdul Hamid of Rawang, Selangor, who was at the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) counter, said that sometimes she would face time constraints when dealing at government counters due to them being closing during lunch hours. 

"This way we can skip our lunchtime to settle any urgent matters,” said the spa operator.

Earlier, Ngwe said efforts would be taken to ensure state and Federal government agencies under its portfolio continue to upgrade their delivery and service systems to the people.

"One of them is the opening of customer service counters during lunch hours as instructed by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof,” he said.

-- BERNAMA