S'WAK POLLS Sibu DAP is alleging folk were given cash incentive to attend yesterday’s closed-door event with Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem, organised by logging giant WTK Holding Berhad.

Its election Facebook page uploaded photographs and video footage of people at the function purportedly getting their details registered in exchange for RM100 and a T-shirt.

Handphone messages alleging the people who attended the event would be paid RM100 was also leaked out and posted on the Facebook page.

When contacted, a personnel in WTK denied paying the people to attend the event.

"There is no such thing," said the employee, on condition of anonymity.

The meeting was held at 10am yesterday at the civic hall.

WTK is the last big-six timber company visited by Adenan since April 8. Other firms include Rimbunan Hijau Group (RH), KTS Group, Ta Ann, Shin Yang, and Samling.

When contacted, DAP Sibu parliamentarian Oscar Ling confirmed receiving photographs of people gathering near the civic hall.

According to Ling, news about the RM100 ‘payment’ and T-shirt were forwarded but when those who attended wanted to collect, they were told it would be distributed next week.

"Messages spread around that those who attended the event would receive RM100 and a T-shirt.

"However, this was not the case when they appeared. They were told to register their particulars and they will only receive money one week later," he claimed.

A photograph of the alleged text message to promote the event was also shared by the opposition party.

"A meeting called to support Adenan will be held Friday at Dewan Suarah. Anyone who attend the event and leaving their names and IC number, the company will arrange for RM100 and a T-shirt paid. It's 9am," the message said, in Chinese.

Ling asked if this was a form of bribery, and said given that the state election is just around the corner, the payment "is not appropriate”.

Allegations of people being paid to ensure a good crowd at BN events have been circulating.

Ling claimed the same thing happened when Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak came to Sibu to attend a major event related to the construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway.

In addition, a stray 10-page facsimile detailing the organising of a government-funded carnival on April 23, in Matang, Kuching, allegedly mentioned disbursements of money, as well as food and transportation costs, for attending various events.

Sarawak DAP, whose reps were not invited to attend the state-funded events, said the fax had been inadvertently sent to them.