SIBU: The public situation at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Jalan Kampung Nyabor here was under control yesterday.
This is because the public are starting to realise that the issuance of Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) vouchers can be made until Dec 31.
It was in contrast to Saturday’s scene where the situation was alarming with the presence of more than 300 people queuing up to 100 metres due to receiving information from social sites that BPN vouchers could only be issued within two days.
However, yesterday’s survey found that the situation has reduced as compared to Saturday with the public’s attendance estimated at more than 100.
Also present at BSN to monitor the situation was Sibu district police chief ACP Stanley Jonathan Ringgit and his deputy Supt Collin Babat.
Stanley told reporters that eight personnel were stationed at BSN, Jalan Nyabor Village and six others at BSN Sibu Jaya from yesterday onwards to control the crowds.
He said this was to ensure smooth running of the BPN process and to control the public from flocking to the bank.
“If possible, we want to reduce the number of people coming to the bank as the BPN voucher can be issued until the end of the year.
“We also advise those who are not too desperate to claim the vouchers, to go home and come back another day,” he added.
He noted that the monitoring process at BSN Sibu Jaya would be led by his deputy Collin.
Asked about the current situation, Stanley also expressed his satisfaction with the people who were willing to obey the police’s instructions.
“Cooperation from the public to our staff is very good and I am very pleased. What is important is social distancing as a precautionary measure against Covid-19,” he added.
Meanwhile, the bank has informed the public through their website and social media about the BPN voucher that can be claimed at any BSN branch until Dec 31.
“We are open for operation this weekend but next week, we were not yet informed whether we are to open or not. Majority of the public came today to claim their BPN vouchers, but there are also some who had other matters such as applying for ATM cards, opening accounts and so on.
“Our counters do not just manage the issuance of BPN vouchers but other services as well. However, we are prioritising social distancing while limiting the number of people entering the bank on a turn-by-turn basis,” a source from the bank said.
