Govt warned of overworked staff as immigration extends business hours

 

Putrajaya has been urged to pay attention to the welfare of the immigration officers after the immigration offices in Peninsular Malaysia extend their service until 10pm from today onward.

In a statement today, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) said the government must ensure adequate staffing so that no immigration officer is overworked.

The statement was issued after Cuepacs president Adnan Mat (above) visited the passport office at the Urban Transformation Centres (UTC) in Johor Bahru together with Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi earlier today.

"Cuepacs hopes that the government, especially the respective department heads, would pay attention to the welfare and safety of the Immigration Department staff.

"Some of them go to work as early as 4.30am and come home late where their families and own businesses are neglected. Make a proper staffing arrangement to avoid stress. Provide all employees with the best equipment and system.

"Their sacrifices should be appreciated by all quarters and should not be ridiculed," he said.

‘Upgrade system’

He also expressed hope that the government would upgrade the existing system in the Immigration Department and other government agencies.

"The latest system will surely enable businesses to run more smoothly and at the same time, give the best experience to the people,” said Adnan, adding that adequate staffing must be ensured to prevent the same incident from happening again in the future.

Bernama reported recently that passport applicants were stuck in long queues and long waiting times from early morning at the Home Ministry complex in Setia Tropika, Johor.

"Cuepacs take notes of public complaints and grouse on the congestion at the immigration offices nationwide, particularly in Johor.

"We hope members of the public would stay calm and not circulate the issue without getting clear information on the current situation," he added.

Adnan also dismissed the criticism that the government did nothing to ease the congestion at the immigration offices.

"The accusation that the immigration did nothing to improve the unforeseen situation is completely baseless.

"Cuepacs would like to advise the public to plan their trip overseas properly. A last-minute arrangement will make things difficult for everybody," he said.

UTCs in Peninsular Malaysia will operate until 10pm beginning today in order to resolve difficulties faced by Malaysians in renewing their international passport following the reopening of the border last month.

The immigration offices at the UTCs in Perlis, Terengganu and Pahang, however, will only be operating until 6pm due to low demand for this passport. - Mkini