KUALA LUMPUR: The free helmet exchange counter saw overwhelming response at the Two Years of Madani Government (2TM) Programme and the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here on Friday (Nov 22).
A queue began forming as early as 7.30am for the exchange counter, at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) booth.
Visitor Mohd Zayn, 28, said this was his first time trying to get a free helmet as he had just heard about the initiative through social media.
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"I left my house in Sungai Buloh early this morning, braving the unusually heavy traffic today.
"As I expected, people had already started queuing, and within minutes, there was a long line," he said.
He said government programmes with such people-friendly concepts are beneficial as they allow the public to access government services easily and enjoy attractive deals.
"I usually go to (government-organised) career fairs to look for job opportunities,” he said.
Retiree Zain Hasan, 64, said he was there to exchange his worn-out helmet for a new one.
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"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 and the hall is air-conditioned, so even if the queue is long, it’s not a problem,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur JPJ Management, Road Safety and Corporate Division senior division head 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, 750 in the morning and 750 in the afternoon. Tomorrow (Saturday, Nov 23), 2,000 helmets will be given out, and on Sunday (Nov 24), 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 on Saturday. – Bernama
