TULID: The Chief of Exco Wiramuda STAR Sabah, Jordan Jude Ellron, emphasised that government-linked companies (GLCs) of the Federation, including Petronas, Sime Darby, Felcra, and other government GLCs, should not merely profit from Sabah without demonstrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the people of Sabah, especially during natural disasters.
He pointed out that the absence of federal GLCs in disaster relief missions raises questions about their genuine commitment to Sabah.
“We can see for ourselves; every time there are major floods, landslides, or minor earthquakes in Sabah, the first responders are volunteers, local NGOs, and state government agencies.
“Unfortunately, the giant companies that generate hundreds of millions of ringgit from Sabah’s natural resources and land seem to vanish.
“Where has the goose that lays the golden eggs gone when disasters strike Sabah?” he questioned. “Do these agencies need to wait for orders from their leaders in Malaya before they come forward to assist the people of Sabah?” he stated in a press release.
Jordan noted that Petronas continues to reap substantial profits from Sabah’s oil and gas, while Sime Darby, Felcra, and other GLCs benefit from the plantation sector.
“However, when the people of Sabah are forced to relocate to temporary evacuation centres (PPS) due to the loss of homes and property, assistance from these GLCs is rarely announced or reaches the victims.
“The people of Sabah are beginning to wonder, are we only valued when the profits are taken but deemed worthless when disaster strikes?” Jordan questioned.
He stressed the importance of improving the CSR policies of GLCs in Sabah so that they are not merely symbolic but truly have a clear impact on the people of Sabah.
