IN the days of yore, before the advent of electronic mail and mobile phones, the postman was one of the most loved and respected persons whose appearance with his mail-bag was always awaited and welcomed with joy.

Today, everything has changed. Not only have the smiles evaporated into thin air, but the service is non-existent despite the fact that postal services have been privatised as Pos Malaysia Bhd.

I wonder if residents in other parts of Malaysia have also experienced what I have gone through in recent years, or is my postal area an exception to the rule?

Where I live, the postman, on many occasions, could not be bothered to ring the door bell. Or if he did, he wouldn’t wait a few minutes more for occupants to appear to sign and receive registered items.

He would quickly drop a card in your mailbox and then it’s up to you to make the trip to the post office and collect your items within a specified time or they “will be returned to sender”.

I have tolerated such behaviour for some time, but the limit of my patience was reached when a postcard was left in the most tidak apa manner last Thursday.

Usually, the card would carry a stamped mark to tell you where to go and collect your registered item.

This card had no such mark, and I am left to fathom where I should try first: the post office in Spectrum, Ampang, or the parcel office in Taman Maluri?

Pos Malaysia should impress upon its delivery staff that they are paid through the charges levied on these parcels or the stamps on the letters.

They should make at least one more attempt the following day to deliver registered mail if the first attempt fails.

When all efforts fail, then and only then write out the card, but do it with care and professionalism.

SIT HIN KIN, Ampang, Selangor

Source: NST – November 20, 2008