GEORGE TOWN: Many hoping to renew their road tax or driving licence at the local post office were caught off-guard by the need to book an appointment first.
Many of those interviewed were either unaware or unable to book an appointment online.
At the same time, post office staff had their hands full trying to enforce physical distancing.
Some staff members stationed themselves outside the building to ask visitors about the nature of their business. Those who needed to pay bills, send mail or documents were allowed in.
But those who wanted to renew their road tax or driving licence had to be shown how to book an appointment online.
“Many are confused and have not seen the notice on the website of Pos Malaysia. They come here thinking it is open for normal walk-ins,” said a staff member at Komtar’s Pos Malaysia office here.
Pos Malaysia, in a statement on Sunday, said customers could book an appointment through the Outlet Finder feature at www.pos.com.my or through Pos Malaysia’s mobile application.
It added that an appointment was necessary to avoid overcrowding.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) last week announced the end of all moratorium and deadline extensions for road taxes and driving licences.
All these documents must be made valid by Sept 30.
Since the first movement control order last year, JPJ had given much leeway to motorists, allowing them to drive with an expired licence and road tax provided that the motor insurance was valid.
Aini Mohamed Tajuddin, 32, was among those unaware that an appointment was needed.
“I took time off to come here as my licence expired on Aug 6. The Pos Malaysia staff showed me how to book an online appointment and I will have to wait a few more days to renew my licence,” she said.
M. Kumaravelu, 66, also got help from the staff to make an appointment using his phone.
“Maybe there should be some leeway for walk-in services. It is difficult for retirees like me to make appointments online,” he said.
There was also a queue outside the Rifle Range Pos Malaysia office in Ayer Itam, with a single staff member handling the crowd.
A Pos Malaysia official said while the notice about making appointments online was posted on the website on Aug 7, there was a glitch as too many people tried to book appointments at once.
The official said the glitch was fixed yesterday and people could now book appointments smoothly.
The notice on Pos Malaysia’s website stated that each customer could book only one appointment slot per day and perform a maximum of three transactions related to road tax and driving licence.
State JPJ director Adenan Md Isa said all renewals would be carried out only after an appointment has been secured online.
“We grant around 50 appointments every hour and a total of 400 appointments from 9am to 3.30pm every day to prevent people from crowding the counters.
“People should adapt to the present situation and use the online method as we do not want crowds at the JPJ and Pos Malaysia offices,” he said.
