MIRI – Daily wage workers in Sarawak are crying out for help, appealing to the state government for a specific aid scheme since losing their income due to the movement control order.
Many of them have reached out to their elected representatives and the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) to appeal for help.
Among those appealing for help are cleaners and dishwashers in coffee shops, as well as labourers and sales promoters.
Ibnu Mahrop said there are thousands of people like her who earn daily wages based on the cleaning work she performs.
“We get paid on a daily basis based on the work we do. We have had no jobs for weeks already. Our savings have dried up, but we still need to eat and feed our families.
“There is nothing specific from the government for us, unlike traders, and small and medium-scale entrepreneurs who get monetary aid.
“Please help us,” she pleaded in her message posted to state Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Simon Itin, in his pleas posted to Ukas, said daily wage workers like him are voiceless.
“We have no group (workers’ union) to represent us. Yet we are the worst-hit as we have lost our income during this MCO.”
Another worker, Dom Friday, said daily wage earners are desperate with families to support.
“We have people in our families who depend on us. It is a struggle to find food for ourselves, let alone for our children.”
Sarawak has extended its full MCO until further notice, mirroring the decision made by the federal government.
The state Disaster Management Committee said the decision was made following the high number of infections in the state.
Sarawak yesterday saw three more Covid-19 fatalities and 513 new infections. – The Vibes, June 28, 2021
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