KK UTC records 3.5 mln visitors

KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Transformation Centre (UTC) here has provided services to about 3.5 million people since December 2013.

According to its chief Richard Chiew, public feedback on the one-stop centre which operates from 8 am till 9 pm, seven days a week, had been very encouraging.

Kota Kinabalu city dwellers in particular, he said, lauded such initiative by the government which facilitated matters for them.

“Among the positive reaction we received from the public is satisfaction at being able to settle official transactions conveniently and speedily as various facilities and services are provided under one roof,” he told Bernama.

Chiew said the centre recorded an average of 2,000 visitors per day with the National Registration Department, Road Transport Department, Immigration Department, Pos Malaysia, and 1Malaysia Clinic getting the highest number of visits.

“The people are very happy with Kota Kinabalu UTC because they get all the services for their needs. We hope to see more people using the services provided at this centre,” he said.

Kota Kinabalu UTC located at Jalan Belia, Off Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman here, was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Nov 15, 2014.

Two more UTCs were subsequently established in Sabah - in Tawau on Aug 15, 2016 and Keningau, on Nov 17, 2016, while another is being planned for Sandakan.

Chiew said Kota Kinabalu UTC comprised services provided by 38 government departments and agencies, and other facilities such as a library, gymnasium, automated teller machine (ATM) and cafeteria.

Meanwhile, private sector worker, Dayangku Syamira Pengiran Bakar, 28, appreciated the UTC’s flexible operating hours which she said enabled her to complete errands involving documents conveniently after office hours at one place and time.

“The UTC made it easier for working people like me as everything can be done at one place and I would have less hassle of driving a longer distance and facing the traffic congestion,” she said.

She suggested that the UTC concept be expanded to more places in Sabah so that the whole local population could similarly enjoy the various facilities and services it offered.

Ismail Saip, 49, said he had been taking full advantage of the Kota Kinabalu UTC, describing its location in the city as very strategic.

Rizal Sigal, 43, summarised the UTC as “flexible, simple and cost saving,” expressing satisfaction that there was also a health clinic where he could seek medical treatment. - Bernama