Kota Kinabalu: A former staff of Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) plans to stage a 150km walk to raise funds for the construction of a water well for over 500 former staff who have been without proper water supply since May 2, 2023.
The supply to SFI was cut off due to a deadlock over the company’s future.
Jeffridin Baudi, 52, is determined to raise RM150,000 to build a 500-foot well.
“Currently, there are about 471 people still residing in the SFI compound. Our hope is that this walk will help raise the RM150,000 needed for the well, so that we will have access to water,” he said.
Jeffridin said he spends around RM750 monthly just for water. He did not say how he manages to purchase it without steady income.
The fundraising walk would take him from Menara Kinabalu (Yayasan Sabah) to the main entrance of SFI in Sipitang, a five-day journey from Sept 12 to 16.
He plans to don five different traditional costumes during the walk, representing the Dusun Kimaragang, Kadazan Penampang, Dusun Tatana, Rungus and Murut communities.
“I have the Murut and am looking for sponsors to provide the other four traditional costumes,” he said.
Through the walk, he hopes to not only raise funds but also bring attention to the challenges the former SFI staff are facing.
Jeffridin said Warisan President, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal would join him in the remaining 5km towards the SFI gate.
He said Shafie assured him of a big amount in sponsorship.
SFI’s problem began soon after the change of government in 2018 when the new Warisan State Government imposed new conditions on a prospective buyer. It has been left to the courts since for a solution.
Jeffreidin said obtaining the necessary permits for his walk wasn’t easy.
“My first attempt was turned down, so I didn’t pursue further. However, for this upcoming walk on Sept 12, I am confident it will proceed, even though I haven’t received ‘full approval’ from the authorities.”
He expressed gratitude to a representative from Sarawak Report, who sponsored his shoes and a sports bag for the walk.
On the final day, he said several NGOs from Sarawak are expected to join him to show their solidarity.
