Tutong - Tutong with government servants receiving their monthly salary and annual bonus yesterday, many were seen flocking the shopping complexes in Tutong Town.

The Bulletin surveyed business premises in the town yesterday and discovered long queues at banks and ATM machines from as early as 6am. The queue could be seen subsiding by midday.

According to an officer at one of the banks, the staff had been checking the ATM machines early in the morning to ensure that the machines operated smoothly without any errors.

Department stores and restaurants at the town could be seen packed with customers of all ages. Parking spaces around Tutong Town were also scarce and those unlucky ones had to go several rounds before they were able to get one.

A shop assistant at the Hua Ho Department Store in Tutong in an interview said that they were well prepared for the payday and bonus season as they had stocked popular grocery items to meet the demand.

"The most popular section are the groceries and stationery areas," he said.

A government servant from Kg Sengkarai when interviewed said he felt thankful with the kurnia' of the annual bonus as it can help with preparations for the new school term such as buying textbooks, uniforms and stationery items.

"I also hoped that other bonus recipients can spend their bonus wisely as stated in last Friday's sermon," he said.

However, it was quite a tranquil scene at electronics, computer and handphone shops in Tutong Town as only a handful of customers were seen.

A shop assistant at one of the electronics shops in Tutong said that they did not receive many customers as most of them were busy shopping for school supplies.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin