Former Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) workers say they have been abandoned by the state government, claiming they have lived without water and electricity for nearly two years in the former forest estate in Sipitang.

SFI Family Community Chairman Jeffrey Gopog said about 180 people remain stranded in worsening conditions, with no basic services.

“If this were in Kota Kinabalu, there would be outrage. But because we are ex-SFI workers, we are ignored. It’s as if the government wants us to suffer,” he said in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.

Residents rely on rainwater and river water, while purchasing clean water remains a luxury many cannot afford. Garbage collection and basic maintenance have stopped, leaving the area overgrown and unsanitary.

Further compounding their hardship, they claim they are still owed at least five months’ salary, with their last payment received in March 2021. Many have had to seek work elsewhere to survive.

The Sabah government previously announced financial aid for SFI, including a RM256 million land acquisition offer in 2021, which was later rejected, and RM130 million allegedly owed to workers, which state officials denied.

Yet, former workers say they have seen no improvements.

“Millions were reportedly allocated, but we are still left in the dark—literally and figuratively,” said former worker Jeffridin Baudi.

The group is demanding the immediate restoration of electricity, water, and waste collection, while also urging the government to revive SFI’s pulp and paper industry to provide long-term employment.

“If the government has RM100 million from SMJ Energy and an annual revenue of RM8 billion, why can’t they spare a small sum to help us?” Gopog asked. – March 19, 2025