Kota Kinabalu: Some 800 former Sabah Forest Industries Sdn Bhd (SFI) workers are planning a peaceful demonstration today (Wednesday) to protest Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd’s (SESB) move to cut off power supply to their quarters.
Jeffrey Gopog, who is their spokesperson, said SESB cut off their power supply around 11am on Tuesday (Dec 13), affecting 3,000 occupants in 640 houses.
“We now have no power and water supply,” he said, when contacted by Daily Express.
It is believed that SESB’s action was due to SFI’s outstanding bill of over RM700,000, which had accumulated over the past two years.
“Based on the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting, we were made to understand that we would be able to stay here for free. At the same time, we have been paying the bill,” said Jeffrey.
On Nov 30, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the former staff would be allowed to remain in the quarters free until a consortium revives the fortunes of the once-successful pulp and paper company.
“SFI’s appointed receiver and manager, Grant Thornton Consulting Sdn Bhd, has reached out to SESB.
“However, SESB didn’t give any guarantee on when the power supply would be reconnected,” Jeffrey disclosed.
He said the former workers have also reached out to Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah and Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob.
Jeffrey said both did respond but admitted that they could not do much to resolve the issue.
Instead, they will be providing candles and water to the affected occupants.
“We are also wondering what happened to the RM130 million compensation which was supposedly given to us by the State Government, as mentioned by Abidin during the recent State Assembly sitting.
“Where has the money gone to? To whom did they (the State Government) give the money,” he said.
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