Umno urges govt not to neglect 1,000 ECRL workers who lost jobs

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is disappointed that 1,000 workers have lost their jobs since the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project was suspended on July 3.

“We’ve asked the workers to be patient. This is so unprofessional of (the government) because it is affecting the livelihood of those workers and locals,” said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday.

“Is this the justice and humanitarian agenda PH promised?”

While acknowledging that the PH-led government’s efforts to negotiate with the Chinese government to reduce the cost of the project were commendable, he said the government must not overlook humanitarian aspects, especially the fate of foreign workers who lost their jobs.

He quoted Channel NewsAsia on the negative impact due to the suspension of the project.

“The main contractor, China Communications Construction Company Ltd, has sent many workers home to save cost. We hope the project will not be cancelled like the (Kuala Lumpur-Singapore) High-Speed Rail project,” said Ismail, who hoped negotiations would end soon so that workers could return to the project.

He urged the government not to victimise workers and their families.

“Why doesn’t the PH government show some sympathy for workers and east coast folk? ECRL can have a positive impact on people there and put the region on a par with the west coast.

“Umno hopes the PH government will not punish the people of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan just because they voted for the opposition.”