Wilayahku Portal Shuts Down Staff Left Unpaid Due To Dbkl Payment Woes

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The publishing arm of Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan (YWP), a foundation to assist low-income earners in the Federal Territories, has ceased operations effective July 1.
Malaysiakini learnt the decision affects at least 15 editorial staff employed by YWP Media Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary in charge of publishing the weekly Wilayahku e-paper, as well as its online portal.
"Our salaries have been late since March, at times paid in instalments, and we're still owed our last June salary," said a journalist who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Wilayahku's official website states its main focus is to promote attractions and activities across Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, as well as events in surrounding areas.
It is understood that the editorial team, including photographers, graphic designers and administrative staff, has vacated their office on the ninth floor of Menara Seri Wilayah, also occupied by the Federal Territories Department, under the Prime Minister's Office.
According to an internal memo dated July 4, the company's management announced that the decision to cease operations due to "critical financial condition" was reached during an emergency board meeting convened on June 30.
It was later approved by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, in her capacity as the foundation’s board of trustees chairperson.
The memo to all staff also stated that their last day of work was set on July 1, to be followed by a company town hall on July 7, and an official notice from the company's Human Resource Department on July 8.
Contacted for comments, YWP Media chairperson Afdlin Shauki, who is also Setiawangsa PKR chief, confirmed the operations shutdown.
‘DBKL wants MACC letter for payment release’
He also attributed the company's "critical financial condition" to, among others, alleged outstanding payments by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
YWP Media chairperson Afdlin Shauki"Yes, it is very unfortunate to have Wilayahku shut down. The reason is that we were unable to sustain our existence due to some issues pertaining to non-payment of the contract that we have with DBKL.
ADS"Because of that, we have incurred a lot of costs, so we decided to shut down until everything is cleared with DBKL," Afdlin told Malaysiakini.
The director-turned-politician also claimed DBKL's decision to freeze the payment was due to past "slander" that he, as a member of DBKL's advisory board, had purportedly secured multi-million ringgit contracts without following due process.
"A thorough check has been done by the MACC, and the MACC then concluded that there was no further action and I was not involved in any way.
"But DBKL still wants a 'letter' from MACC, but that has not been forthcoming. Until the 'letter' comes, only then they (DBKL) will release the money," he said.
Afdlin, however, said the YWP board had proceeded to cease publications, which started with a weekly printed version in January 2019.
At the time, it was under the purview of then Federal Territories minister Khalid Samad.
The allegations against Afdlin first surfaced in January through the now-banned Edisi Siasat Telegram channel.
KL Mayor Maimunah Sharif at the time said an internal investigation was launched over the allegations, while MACC chief Azam Baki said the anti-graft body is prepared to launch a similar probe.
On Feb 17, MalaysiaNow quoted Azam as saying that no element of corruption was found based on documents submitted by DBKL in connection with an RM4 million contract to run an internal radio station. - Mkini

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