An LHDN staffer assists an applicant at the entrance of the building. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: It was a busy morning at several government offices here yesterday as members of the public queued up to settle their affairs.
Long lines were seen at the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) building in Jalan Green Hill, mostly made up of Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) and Prihatin Special Grant applicants.
As per the standard operating procedure (SOP) stipulated by the government, all of those lining up were seen wearing face masks and observing social distancing.
LHDN staffers assisting the applicants at the building’s entrance were similarly clad in personal protective equipment such as face shield and face mask, while ensuring those queuing up maintained their distance from each other.
Upon entry, the applicants were subjected to body temperature checks and provided with hand sanitiser.
One of the applicants, who wished to be known only as Arrifin, praised the safety measures put in place by LHDN.
“I have been queuing up since 8am to settle my BPN application. The friendly staff members here made sure we practised social distancing of one metre from each other when queuing up.
“We also had to have our temperature checked and cleaned our hands using the sanitiser provided,” he said.
A similar scene was observed at the National Registration Department (JPN) office in Jalan Simpang Tiga, where members of the public – wearing face mask and observing social distancing – also queued to settle their affairs.
Applicants in face masks maintain their distance from each other as they queue to enter the LHDN building. – Photo by Galileo Petingi
Security personnel there took down the names of those in line and conducted body temperature checks before allowing entry into the office.
One of those in line, who declined to be named, said she was applying for a new identity card and had earlier made an appointment with the office.
According to her, those who did not make an appointment had to first register their names and other particulars prior to coming to the office.
“They (JPN) then called me to arrange a date for my appointment.
“Today (Tuesday) I came here to settle my errand,” she said.