ARAU: With Hari Raya Aidilfitri just around the corner, over 20 former Perlis United FC (PUFC) players have demanded that the club settle two months' salary owed to them.
They claim that they have yet to be paid despite the M3 league having concluded six months ago.
The issue has forced some of them to forego their football careers. Some are working as rubber tappers, couriers and have small businesses while others are unemployed.
Former PUFC captain Azizi Mat Rose, 42, said the club's actions are regrettable and irresponsible.
"We demand that our salaries for September and October last year be paid. From what we understand, RM150,000 is owed to 23 PUFC players from last season," said Azizi at a restaurant here last night.
"We have asked the management about this numerous times, but they have kept quiet. We have families to feed, and it will also be Aidilfitri soon.
"For me personally, I am already at the end of my career and have had the chance to play outside of Perlis with big teams such as Johor Darul Ta'zim, Kelantan and Terengganu.
"But I feel sad for the younger players who have been forced to end their careers early due to this issue."
Former PUFC striker Sadam Hashim, 32, said it was his dream to represent his home team but states that such issues are not healthy for the sport in the state.
"It may only be two months' salary, however, we have commitments that have to be settled and small children still in school.
"We have already sacrificed a lot and when issues like this happen, it demoralises us.
"I, myself, have been forced to start tapping rubber again. Some of the other guys are working as courier drivers, opened small businesses or are unemployed."