Zahid: UTC must be given recognition
PUTRAJAYA: The one-stop Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) is a world-class government product that must be recognised by the public.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said based on his readings, there was no other country that provided such a service to its people.
“Through literature reviews, I found that no other country has a multi-service centre under one roof like UTC in Malaysia. This means that UTC is the innovator and creator. It is a world-class product from Malaysia. It has to be recognised,” he said at the UTC Management Appreciation dinner here last night.
Present was Melaka UTC board of directors chairman Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said the setting up of the UTC was not an easy task, adding that it was difficult to unite ministries, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and private companies, each with its own priorities, under one roof.
“Not all departments and agencies agreed to it at first, and we faced difficulties in the deployment of staff and budget, among others.
“This means that all of you are history-makers,” said Zahid, adding that the initiative makes full use of underutilised government buildings and premises by housing the one-stop centres.
“When these run-down and under used buildings are transformed, it gives them a breath of fresh air. No other country has done it. This is also a world record.”
He said people, including those who did not support the government, should admit that the UTC was a good initiative.
Zahid said the UTC was not just a transformation of services, but also a transformation of the character and mindset.
“However, I feel that there has to be better exposure of this initiative by the government. I would rate the exposure given only a 6.5 out of 10. Not many people know about the services offered in UTCs.
“There is still much room for improvement. I hope more people will recognise that UTC is a good thing for the people, where departments and agencies are giving their best for the people,” he said.
There are 18 UTCs nationwide that have served more than 41 million people.