PM: Malaysia first in the world to come up with UTC to provide one-stop elaborate services
Najib signs the plaque at the launch of UTC Sarawak as (from left) Rosmah, Morshidi, Serigar (partly hidden), Adenan and Jamilah look on. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa
Najib hands out a MyKad to a boy. Seen at second right is Ahmad Maslan. — Photos by Jeffery Mostapa
Najib shakes hands with a nurse at 1Malaysia Clinic, UTC Sarawak.
Najib tries on a treadmill at the gym of UTC Sarawak. Also seen are (from left) Serigar, Morshidi and Ahmad Maslan (second right).
KUCHING: Malaysia is the only country in the world that sets up Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) to offer various public and private services under one roof.
Pointing this out last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said UTC best reflected the motto and concept of 1Malaysia – ‘People First, Performance Now’ – given that the project had immensely benefited the community.
“The 1Malaysia concept has become a reality now, and Sarawak is the best example of the 1Malaysia concept. It is ‘People First’ at UTC because it opens beyond office hours.
“I want to ask you all, based on your experiences if any country in the world is capable of materialising UTC like what Malaysian government has achieved,” he said when launching the UTC Sarawak at Jalan Bukit Mata here.
Najib said people could, among others, obtain a new passport or MyKad or have their passport renewed or MyKad replaced within an hour at UTC.
“Not just passport and MyKad, they can also make payments for utility bills, summonses and compounds at UTC. I was told that the childcare service at UTC here receives overwhelming response while the Top Spot Food Court here is very popular among the communities.
“Since its operation in September last year, UTC Sarawak has registered over 260,000 visitors. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
He said Putrajaya had channelled RM48.5 million to furnish the centre, which was completed early last September, adding: “This is the federal government’s contribution to the people of Sarawak.”
The government, he said, would continue to transform the country. As such, he called for creative solutions from the ground while pledging his administration “is very committed and serious in not just improving public services but also transforming the country, be it urban or rural.”
Najib also gave his word to work closely with not just Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem but all leaders in Sarawak in order to deliver excellent services to Sarawakians.
Back to UTC, he said more similar centres could be expected throughout the state if the federal government collected enough revenue in the future.
“If we manage to increase our revenue, and with you all paying for GST (Goods and Services Tax), we will then be able to provide the best for the people of Sarawak as well as all in the country.”
This year, he said, the government would choose 200 Imams and village security and development committee (JKKK) chairmen from Sarawak to perform the haj through Yayasan 1Malaysia.
Earlier, Adenan lauded Najib for his ‘boleh tahan’ (not bad) idea for implementing UTC, which brings several government department services as well as some private services under one roof to benefit the people.
Previously, he said, people had to travel different directions to get various tasks done and with UTC today, they could stop by at one place to deal with various businesses.
Adenan, however, noted just one UTC in the entire state of Sarawak would not be sufficient, asserting that friendly services like those offered at UTC ought to be enjoyed by people in other parts of the state such as Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.
“We hope to have two or three more of such centres in the Land of the Hornbills.”
Forty-seven government agencies and private organisations are presently offering their services at UTC Sarawak that opens from 8am to 9pm daily except public holidays.
They include Public Complaints Bureau; Social Security Organisation (Socso); Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM); Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK); Telekom Malaysia; POS Malaysia; Immigration Department; National Registration Department (JPN); Road Transport Department (JPJ); bank; childcare, gym and youth centre and 1Malaysia Clinic.
Among those present were Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Adenan’s wife Puan Sri Dato Jamilah Anu, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and wife Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan and Finance Ministry’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury Tan Sri Dr Irwan Serigar Abdullah.