<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Long queue, surly staff at Budget Terminal
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I TRAVELLED on March 19 for the first time via the Budget Terminal, an experience that left me disgusted and ashamed.
First, the GST refund/visa application counter at the departure check-in hall was understaffed, resulting in a half-hour queue for my companion who needed to obtain a travel visa. Second, and most unpleasant, was my encounter at the Kopitiam food outlet inside the Departure Lounge.
There were three service staff manning the outlet - one male tending the chicken rice counter and two women chatting at the drinks counter. I wanted to make a purchase from the unmanned pastries counter, so I politely asked the chicken rice server who shrugged in the direction of the drinks counter.
When I approached the drinks counter and inquired if anyone could take my order, the two looked up at me and continued with their chat. I had to interrupt them a second time before one of them said: 'Wait there, someone's coming!'
I shudder at the thought of how many tourists and visitors have been greeted and dismayed by such deplorable service standards at the Budget Terminal. Tan Kong Soon
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I TRAVELLED on March 19 for the first time via the Budget Terminal, an experience that left me disgusted and ashamed.
First, the GST refund/visa application counter at the departure check-in hall was understaffed, resulting in a half-hour queue for my companion who needed to obtain a travel visa. Second, and most unpleasant, was my encounter at the Kopitiam food outlet inside the Departure Lounge.
There were three service staff manning the outlet - one male tending the chicken rice counter and two women chatting at the drinks counter. I wanted to make a purchase from the unmanned pastries counter, so I politely asked the chicken rice server who shrugged in the direction of the drinks counter.
When I approached the drinks counter and inquired if anyone could take my order, the two looked up at me and continued with their chat. I had to interrupt them a second time before one of them said: 'Wait there, someone's coming!'
I shudder at the thought of how many tourists and visitors have been greeted and dismayed by such deplorable service standards at the Budget Terminal. Tan Kong Soon