Workers on unpaid leave fret about making ends meet

Shoppers buying vegetables at Mount Erskine market in George Town, Penang during the first day of movement control order (MCO). /Picby:CHAN BOON KAI/The Star/ 18 March 2020.

KOTA KINABALU: Many workers forced to take unpaid leave because of the movement control order (MCO) until March 31 are banking on the RM600 special assistance announced by the government.

A salesgirl, who works at a shop in 1Borneo Hypermall, said she and her 11 colleagues were told to take unpaid leave following the MCO.

“This is not fair. I worry about not having enough money for rent, ” said the 21-year-old.

She said her colleagues also faced financial difficulties and they all hoped to apply for the RM600 cash assistance announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Asked whether they would take the matter to the Human Resource Ministry or Labour Department, they said they were afraid and hoped that their manager would help them fight for their rights.

Others said their bosses told them that they, too, were concerned about not making enough during this period.

“I'm afraid of losing money, too. Not opening for business until March 31 means I won’t have any sales, ” said a shopowner.

Workers at a huge hypermarket chain here were also concerned about their income.

“We earn minimum wages. Now we will only get half at the end of the month?” asked a woman who only wanted to be identified as Norliah.

She said she was not sure how to apply for the RM600 cash assistance but would ask around for more information.

A salesperson in Kota Kinabalu said though her boss did not tell them whether their wages would be halved, she had a feeling there would be some kind of deduction.

“None of us dare to ask the boss, but we are all hoping for the best, ” she said.

“Can we apply for the RM600 cash assistance, if there is no official salary deduction or unpaid leave notice from our company?” she asked.

Prior to the Movement Control Order, many – especially in the hospitality and tourism sector – had lost their jobs or been asked to go on unpaid leave due to the drastic drop in business.

Some also had their salaries reduced by half as businesses struggle to stay afloat.