KUALA LUMPUR – As Hari Raya Aidilfitri draws near, frustration and disappointment are mounting within Kelantan The Real Warriors (TRW), with unpaid wages casting a shadow over what should be a season of celebration.
With only days remaining before the festivities, players and club staff are still waiting for salaries that are now two months overdue, raising concerns over even the most basic preparations for the holiday.
A source within the football community revealed that many squad members are holding out hope for a last-minute resolution, as payments for January and February remain unsettled.
“It’s disheartening… everyone else is preparing for Raya, but we can’t even afford the basics,” the source told Scoop.
“The players have families. Their children are looking forward to new clothes, to celebrating like everyone else. But this year, they may have no choice but to make do with what they already have — even if it means wearing last year’s outfits.”
The financial strain extends well beyond festive preparations.
“It’s not just about Raya. There are monthly commitments to meet, and this situation makes everything harder. This year doesn’t feel like Raya at all — there’s no excitement, just acceptance of what little we have.”
As the countdown to Aidilfitri continues, the squad clings to the hope that club management will intervene with some positive news.
“There’s still a small window. We’re just hoping for something — anything — that might bring a bit of relief and allow us to celebrate with some dignity.”
Unpaid wages have plagued Kelantan TRW in past seasons, creating recurring challenges that affect morale and tarnish the club’s reputation in the Super League.
For now, the players can only hope that what is owed will finally be delivered — not as a bonus, but as a basic right — allowing them and their families to observe Hari Raya with at least some measure of peace. – March 19, 2026