SEREMBAN: Civil servants manning counter services have been reminded to treat the public as they wish to be treated, says Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar (pic).
The Chief Secretary to the Government noted that while improvements have been made over time to ensure clients receive good service, there is still room for further enhancement of counter services.
"Counter service is basically common sense.
"We should treat others the same way we wish to be treated (when seeking counter service)," he said at the state-level "Jelajah Taat Setia Madani" event launched by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Shamsul Azri emphasized that those manning these counters should treat everyone equally.
"Be polite when dealing with your clients.
"Most importantly, treat all fairly irrespective of their race, religion, or status," he added.
He recounted a recent unannounced visit to the Road Transport Department at the Urban Transformation Centre in Kuantan, where he observed many people standing while waiting for their turn.
"I was made to understand that many of them had to stand for up to 30 minutes as there were not enough chairs.
"Rightfully, we need to provide enough chairs so that the clients will have a good experience when seeking counter service," he said.
Shamsul Azri stated that since assuming the top post, he has directed that those manning counters for more than five years be rotated.
This, he said, is important to increase productivity and ensure efficient service.
On a separate matter, he mentioned that the government is studying the need to increase the retirement age for civil servants.
"Based on the average life expectancy, both men and women are now living longer.
"So based on that, we are just looking at it (retirement age) for now," he said.
Last November, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa stated that the government was prepared to conduct a detailed study to increase the retirement age if needed.
She also noted that there are currently no plans to increase the retirement age for civil servants.
