SIPITANG: The living conditions at the Sabah Forest Industries Sdn Bhd (SFI) complex, about nine kilometres from here is saddening.
The road to the complex is filled with potholes while overgrown weeds of three to five feet high surround the structure.
Residents who still live in the SFI complex are only able to clean their respective residential areas and are hoping the government will find an immediate solution.
They want to bring back SFI’s glory days which provided job opportunities, especially for Sipitang residents.
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“School and business activities, especially those who do business in the shop lot and at SFI Motel, have been affected since the electricity supply cut by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) on May 2,” he said.
Residents, who are former employees of SFI are now facing critical water supply for bathing, washing and cooking which has entered the sixth day since the cut. The water supply from the SFI plant uses an electric powered water pump.
According to Antun Minggu Andirias, 52, at the moment they only rely on rainwater catchment using whatever containers to store water.
Jeffridin Baudi requested sympathy from NGOs, including individuals, to provide assistance in the form of mineral water or contribute water tanks and supply.
“Currently, the residents of the SFI quarters apart from hoping for rain, rely on mineral water and the nearest river located in Kampung Melamam about 10 km away. This is very difficult for them,” said Jeffridin.
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