‘Construction sub-contractors in dire straits during MCO’
MIRI: Construction subcontractors here fully support the Movement Control Order (MCO) even though they are going through very challenging times due of the closure of construction sites and stoppage of projects.
Sub-contractor Asin Ragai, 36, when contacted yesterday said due to the extended MCO, many project sites are closed and those like him are badly affected as they will have no income when there is no work.
He said many sub-contractors who lack the financial reserves are not able to sustain the extra financial burden of having to pay both the workers’ wages while remaining idle, and have had to let their workers go while waiting out the MCO.
“We small-time contractors appeal to the government to assist us in this period of hardship to enable us to sustain our companies and to get started again after the MCO,” he said.
Asin said the main contractor will not release full payment amount if the work is not done, adding that sub-contractors are desperate as they cannot complete their contracts due to the MCO.
Sharing the same view, another sub-contractor who identified himself as Apai Ambrose said he has been unable to pay his workers as construction works have stopped since the imposition of the MCO.
“Sub-contractors like us are looking forward to government stimulus packages, such as subsidies for workers’ wages, and financial assistance to employers for loss of income to help construction players overcome their financial hardship,” he said.
He hoped the MCO will not be extended further until Hari Raya as there are usually many small repair works or extension works during this period needed by those celebrating the festival.
He added that at the moment, he and his workers are staying at home anxiously waiting for the MCO to end.
Meanwhile, a check at various construction sites surrounding Miri city found all them closed with no work being carried out.