MIRI: A long queue was seen outside Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) at Jalan Sri Dagang here today (Aug 25) as recipients of Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 6.0 lined up to cash out their aid payment vouchers.
A ground check carried out by the New Sarawak Tribune found that most of them have come from as far as Bekenu, Batu Niah, Beluru , Lapok, Marudi and Ulu Baram to cash out their vouchers during this difficult time following the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of them had arrived there as early as 2am.
Following to the situation, the majority of Mirians are appealing to the relevant authorities to look into the need to improve banking facilities at BSN Miri to ease financial access in cashing out their BKSS payment vouchers.
Many were left disappointed as the bank limited the number of patrons entering the premises to cash out their BKSS vouchers.
And by the time the bank closed at 2pm, there were many others still standing waiting outside, hoping to cash their assistance aid vouchers.
Ugik Jalit, Teresang Dayak Miri chairman, said, “Perhaps the bank can provide mobile counters in other rural areas such as Bekenu, Batu Niah, Lambir or even Beluru and Lapok.
“We are not blaming anybody on the situation but we hope that the relevant authorities can do something about it,” he said.
Sharing a similar sentiment was Anderson Tujang.
He suggested BSN should review the payment method to ease the withdrawal of the financial aid.
It was said that the long queues started on Monday (Aug 23).
Under the BKSS 6.0 announced in May, RM970 million has been set aside by the state government for the benefit of more than one million B40 households and B40 single individuals state-wide.
