School guards in Kelantan on strike over unpaid wages

Distressed security guards complaining of unpaid wages outside a school in Kota Baru on Sunday, Oct 14, 2018.

KOTA BARU: Scores of school guards in Machang and Kota Baru took to the streets to air their grievances over unpaid wages.

They participated in peaceful protests outside the Machang District Education Office building and outside SK Zainab 1 here.

The guards claim they were last given a half-month pay in August.

Guard Mahidi Mohamad appealed for mercy.

"It is not our intention to blame anyone. But please, understand the hardship we are facing when our salaries are not paid.

"Some risk being kicked out of their rented homes, as they could not pay their rent.

"Electricity supply to some homes has been cut because of failure to pay the bills.

"We need to feed our children, too. I hope they stop giving us excuses and pay our salary," said the 45-year-old guard.

Another guard stationed at a school here claimed they were told to seek financial assistance from the Zakat centre.

"We get our salary in cash. No pay slip is provided. And they have not paid our salary since Hari Raya," claimed a guard, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A security company representative in Machang, who declined to be named, claimed they would start paying the guards in stages from Monday (Oct 15) onwards.