Miri UTC flooded by visitors since reopening, social distancing observed

Part of the queue of people waiting their turn to enter Miri UTC.

By Jaythaleela K

MIRI, June 17: Service counters belonging to two government agencies are proving to be the most popular since the reopening of the Miri Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) after three months of closure.

The two agencies—the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the National Registration Department (NRD)—have been thronged by the public since reopening on June 15 (Monday).

After three months of closure due to the restricted movement order to curb the spread of Covid-19, various government agencies in the Miri UTC building are now officially reopened to serve the public.

According to Miri mayor Adam Yii, for the past two days since the reopening, a total 2,765 visitors were recorded visited Miri UTC.

Today, as at 10am, a total of 364 visitors have been served by various government agencies here, with 146 visitors alone served by JPN, Yii said.

A canopy and fans were set up for the comfort of those queuing outside Miri UTC.

“The big crowd we have seen over the past two days and today (Wednesday, June 17) is because of the pent up need to have these services,” he explained, adding the services most in demand are from the NRD and RTD for the registration of births and deaths, and for road tax payment respectively.

“Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and now Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), all these due dates for these requirements have been given ample extension,” Yii highlighted.

Therefore the public may fulfil these requirements within two weeks upon reopening of the respective service counters.

Meanwhile, Yii expressed satisfaction with the public level of compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP).

A brief check at UTC Miri revealed only 20 people were allowed to enter at any one time and members of the public have to wait for their turn at a designated zone which also has a canopy provided for shade and fans for their comfort. — DayakDaily