NSS,Wednesday 14 March 2012
There were numerous reports of people queuing for long hours to receive their Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash vouchers at many locations across the country.
I learnt that successful applicants in the Cheras parliamentary constituency (P.123) would receive theirs last Saturday morning and decided to get a firsthand look.
The venue was held on the 15th Floor of Kenanga Wholesale City. Apart from the basement, parking was also available from the 8th floor upwards in this modern building.
Upon arrival, I noticed a continuous stream of cars driven in and out of the car park and many workers were stationed at strategic locations to ensure a smooth flow.
Motorists were directed to the 11th floor with ample parking. Elevators were within walking distance as they were installed at several locations.
The 15th floor was the highest and it was indeed an impressive sight. The covered rooftop was like a huge aircraft hangar.
It was bright, airy and column-free. There was no air-conditioning but it was comfortable because of the high roof and good ventilation.
Scores of people on duty were seated behind several long counters and some chairs were placed in the central open area for the weak to be seated while waiting.
Although the crowd was large, no one appeared agitated. Those in a queue were making steady progress to the front.
A number was given out at the first counter and the voucher issued at the second. Recipients could approach any of the many workers seated behind each counter.
As a result, no queue was formed at these two counters and it took only a couple of minutes to complete this initial process.
The only queue was at the third counter to cash the voucher, which took about 30 minutes. A breeze compared with other locations that took several hours.
However, many of those who had just arrived hurriedly joined the queue, only to discover later that they needed to collect the voucher first.
As there was no signage, it would have been better if they were ushered to the first counter.
Those at the back of the queue went through some anxious moments, as it was disorderly. However, they soon discovered that everyone had to fall in line according to their numbers.
Although BR1M is meant for the lower income group, many recipients travelled to the venue by car.
It would be more caring to include in the notice that parking was free in this newly opened mall. Some cars parked illegally by the roadside were issued with summons.
Overall, the arrangements were superb as the vouchers were smoothly disbursed and cashed. Many went home with smiles on their faces.
Those who could not turn up on Saturday could collect their vouchers at the MCA Service Centre at Taman Segar as stated in the advice slip.
I visited this centre on Sunday morning and found the workers friendly and efficient. The vouchers were issued within minutes and could be cashed at any of the three participating banks.
However, the envelope and letter should have been returned to the recipients. Instead, the envelopes were thrown into a wastepaper basket and the letter retained by the workers.
The voucher could have been placed in the envelope and the letter would serve as a reminder to the grateful recipients.
It was heartwarming to see the joy in the faces of the poor, especially the elderly. Some felt as if the RM500 cash in their hands had just fallen from the sky.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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