TMM,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 would receive their’s last Saturday morning and decided to take a first-hand look.
The venue was the 15th Floor of Kenanga Wholesale City. Apart from the basement, parking was also available from the eighth floor upwards in this modern building.
Upon arrival, I noticed a continuous stream of cars driving 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 where there was ample parking and elevators were all within a short walking distance.
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 cover and good ventilation.
Scores of people on duty were seated behind several long counters.
Although the crowd was large, no one appeared agitated. Those in a queue were making steady progress.
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 where vouchers were cashed. The process took about 30 minutes - a breeze compared to other locations that took several hours.
However, many of those who had hurriedly joined the queue after arrived were disappointed to discover they needed to collect the voucher first.
As there was no signage, it would have been better if they had been 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 upon reaching the head of the queue.
Although BR1M was 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. Cars that had parked illegally by the roadside were issued with summons.
Overall, the arrangements were superb as the vouchers were smoothly disbursed and cashed. Many Cheras folks went home with a smile on their face.
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 there friendly and efficient. The vouchers were issued within a couple of minutes and they can be cashed at any of the three participating banks.
However, the envelope and letter should have been returned to the recipients. Instead, the envelope was 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 have served as a reminder for the grateful recipients.
It was heart-warming 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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