WHEN Covid-19 pandemic happened, it brought along countless challenges and changed the landscape of our lifestyles, and it particularly worsened lives and livelihoods of the needy.
Bearing this in mind, Penang has always been a state clearly sensitive of the people’s well-being and this time around, help is here once again in the form of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Wong Yuee Harng and lawyer Willie Ong.
The duo have paired up with only one intention, which is to assist affected groups hooked up with issues such as being retrenched unfairly of their jobs, unreasonable salary deduction and summons.
Wong said the idea came about after previously discussing with Ong on any other form of assistance that could be provided for the people apart from the usual food aid distribution.
“There are many good-hearted non-governmental organisations (NGOs) out there today. So far, they have all been doing a great job in assisting the state government in providing aid for the needy.
“That was why we wanted to take a different approach. Considering the news revolving people losing their jobs unfairly, suffering unreasonable pay cuts and summons, we thought the approach of legal advice would do them good,” Wong told an online press conference via Zoom today.
Wille Ong, a lawyer who is in charge of a firm called Willie Ong and Co, said not all out there could afford and accept difficult moments such as hefty fines, salary cuts and unfair retrenchment.
“This initiative works in a way where people can approach us, proving their unfair conditions based on the three areas mentioned.
“We will then conduct complete background checks, to see if the cases can be brought for further proceedings.
“If it is ready to proceed, then we will file suits in court for judgment. The entire process of providing advice is free, but related parties will be charged with some amount of money for court filing fees.
“And again, this initiative is solely meant to help those who are really in need,” Ong said during his speech.
It officially started today and interested individuals or families can reach through Wong’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WongYueeHarng/ or call Willie Ong and Co at 010-7780488.
It was also learnt that this initiative also has the involvement of three other lawyers from Willie’s firm and two other lawyers from a different firm.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis