Not in, in meetings and on leave among top public complaints

MIRI: There have been lots of complaints claiming that many public bodies and agencies are still very slow in responding to the needs of the people despite being in compliance with the Government’s Key Performance Index (KPI).

Among the top grouses states that senior officials whose signatures are required in several urgent documents, are seldom around when needed. The complainants claim these officers are either always “outstation”, “tied-up in meetings” or “on leave”.

Also the District Office here as well as certain units of Miri City Council, Natural Resources and Environment Board and Environment Department were among the authorities labelled as being slow in their service.

Others such the police, Road Transport Department, Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, National Registration Department, Welfare Department and Miri Hospital were cited as “struggling to improve”.

The latest of these complaints appeared on the state PAS website, as highlighted by the party’s deputy state commissioner Jofrie Jaraiee yesterday.

“There have been people who come to these departments, including those from the rural areas, seeking signatures of senior officers to endorse forms related to statutory declaration, but are then told that these officials are not in.

“The counter personnel would often give excuses, saying that these officers are either out for meetings or on leave and telling the visitors to come back another day.

“This sort of pathetic service is causing a lot of hardship to the people, especially those who have to spend a lot of money just to travel to the city and get their documents signed,” he said.

When asked for comments, Assistant Communications Minister and Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin said while he would not respond to complaints posted by PAS, he would speak to the heads of various departments mentioned to determine the truth.

On the other hand, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis said he would study the latest postings on PAS website to find out more about these specific complaints.