IT has been more than four months since the closure of Utusan Malaysia and its former employees are still waiting for their outstanding salaries, claims, and compensation.

The workers told The Malaysian Insight they have not heard anything from their former employer or liquidators since the company ceased operations on September 9 last year. 

Some of the 800 laid-off employees have found new jobs in the gig economy, such as with Grab and Foodpanda. Others have embarked on their own businesses. But many remain unemployed and in dire need of the payments promised by their former company.

They have heard rumours of the publication returning to the stands under a new management but these remain just that – rumours.

Mohd Taufek Razak, the former chairman of National Union of Journalists-Utusan Melayu, is among those still without a job.

“There has been no update from the liquidators after a briefing on November 6 last year,” he said.

“They said they will liquidate the company’s assets within six months but there has been no development, nor do we know which assets have been diluted.

“We are waiting for our September and October salaries and compensation for getting terminated plus other claims, such as medical fees and overtime. Still no news on that.

“Some have found work elsewhere, some are still searching. There are some who have started doing small businesses,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“If Utusan is re-opening, we have had no news of it. Whether it is opening as a new company or continuing as the old one, we do not know.”

Former Utusan Malaysia Group deputy editor-in-chief Zaini Hassan said he is putting his trust in the liquidators.

“We are leaving it to the liquidators to handle the issue. They have been trying to sell the assets so that the money can be used to pay our former staff and those who took the voluntary separation scheme.”

Zaini said the process will take time.

“When the funds are ready, they will be disbursed to everyone. For now, we will have to wait for the liquidators and for now, there will be no payment.”

He would not speculate if the Utusan Malaysia brand would be revived.

“To reopen or not, I have no clue. It is up to the party who gets the permit. So far there is no news yet,” Zaini said.

Mohammed Khairul Mohd Ali, 35, is now working for the Johor government newspaper.

“I am now a reporter for Johorkini. I grabbed whatever I can first. We can’t be too choosy.”

He hoped that Utusan Malaysia will return.

“I heard rumours but I can’t be sure. But I do hope they will be back in business. If I have the opportunity, I want to return to Utusan. Let’s hope for the best.”

Ahmad Syukri Shaari said less than half of his colleagues have got new jobs and the rest are still struggling

“I am freelancing for media houses, many of my friends are working hard to survive. The majority have no jobs, especially those who held high positions.

“Only 30 to 40% have found jobs. Our editors are now working with Grab and Foodpanda.

“Some are selling products as agents just to survive. To get the pay we used to – that won’t happen now.”

That Utusan Malaysia will be operating again in February remains a mere rumour.

“I heard Utusan will be back in February, but so far there is no solid proof. Nobody has been offered a position. Only rumours.”

Utusan Melayu, publisher of Utusan Malaysia and Kosmo, shut down after falling into financial difficulties, which was made worse following the defeat of Umno in the last general election.

The former Umno mouthpiece originally planned a VSS for 400 staff members with the aim of streamlining its business. That failed, resulting in the company shutting down in September. – January 20, 2020.