2TM PROGRAMME: 1,500 FREE HELMETS UP FOR GRABS TODAY

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The free helmet exchange counter once again received an overwhelming response at the Two Years of MADANI Government Programme (2TM) and the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

A Bernama check found that the queue began forming as early as 7.30 am at the helmet exchange counter set up at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) booth.

A visitor, Mohd Zayn, 28, said this was his first time trying to get a free helmet as he had only heard about the initiative through social media.

“Based on what I had read, this programme has received a great response, so I left my house early this morning in Sungai Buloh, braving the unusually heavy traffic today.

“My expectation was spot on as people had already started queuing, and within minutes, the line grew long,” he told Bernama.

Mohd Zayn said government programmes with such people-friendly concepts are genuinely beneficial as they allow the public to access government services more easily and enjoy attractive deals.

“At government programmes I’ve attended before, I usually go to career fairs to look for job opportunities,” he said.

A retiree, Zain Hasan, 64, said his purpose for attending the programme today was to exchange his worn-out helmet for a new one.

“Programmes like this help us get free items from the government. For example, today, I’m getting a free helmet. I also informed my children to come if they’re free, as the stock is limited.

“And now that I’m here, I can also pay any outstanding summonses. The programme location is quite strategic as the hall is air-conditioned, so even if the queue is long, it’s not a problem,” he added.

Meanwhile, senior division head of Kuala Lumpur JPJ Management, Road Safety and Corporate Division Azharul Izwa Puaadi said 5,000 helmets are being provided throughout the three-day programme.

“For today’s session, we’ve prepared 1,500 helmets, and we’ll distribute them in two sessions, namely 750 in the morning and another 750 in the afternoon. Tomorrow, 2,000 helmets will be given out, and on Sunday, 1,500 helmets will be available,” he said.

The 2TM programme is organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit and the Malaysian Productivity Corporation, in collaboration with various ministries, agencies, government-linked companies, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders.

The programme will be officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA