Its secretary-general, Kamarul Baharin Mansor, said the government must look into the welfare of workers, especially during these unprecedented times.

“The government should be more sensitive and proactive with any changes in company policy or practices.

“It must help workers to retain their jobs by giving out plenty of incentives to employers and workers,” he said in a statement.

Citing the case of workers from Sabah Forest Industries Sdn Bhd (SFI) in Sipitang, Sabah, who have reportedly not been paid for three months, he said the workers waved the white flag yesterday to get the government’s attention.

“The government should and must intervene and utilise all means to help solve this problem,” he said.

Kamarul said workers should be allowed to stay home if the company is not paying wages, so they would be able to save on transportation costs.

He said the case involving SFI is only one of many involving rural workers.