FOR far too many years, thousands of complaints have been made of the poor service and indifferent attitude of those manning the government departments. I am one of those who have made such complaints, but hopefully not any more after my recent experiences at the Immigration Department, JPJ and government hospitals
Kudos to the Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and his co-chairman Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon at Pemudah. The changes instituted since its formation have been most revealing and refreshing.
I went to JPJ in Padang Jawa to change ownership for my old jalopy. It took me longer to park my car than to get a new card and have my road tax renewed.
Thank you to Cik Narida at Counter 31 as well as the two receptionists, one at Gate 4 and the other at the lobby. All three were not only patient and courteous, they also knew their job well and were helpful particularly to those who were not so familiar with the procedure.
And I renewed my passport at Terminal 3 Subang in less than two hours. My friend Eric had the same experience.
Likewise, I also had good experience when I went for my medical check-up at Putrajaya Hospital. I was glad they assigned officers to help the elderly and handicapped who were directed immediately to the counter for immediate attention.
Unfortunately, the doctors and specialists just could not cope with the sheer number of patients. But they are doing their level best. So are the nurses and supporting staff.
I did notice, however, that their efficiency was hampered by procedures, at least two of which I suspected were archaic.
The same good feeling was experienced at the Serdang Hospital and the Selayang Hospital where my wife and I do our annual check-up.
Kudos to Sidek and Yong. Now I have hope for the civil service and the country. If only some of the bigger GLCs, Astro, Touch n’ Go, banks and telcos could buck up and share the same attitude to serve consumers.
