Higher SKAS Aid Helps Sarawakians Cope With Rising Living Costs - Abang Jo

KUCHING, March 7 (Bernama) -- The higher amount provided under the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) in its second year of implementation is helping people cope with the rising cost of living, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the state government has increased the allocation for the programme to RM640 million, compared with about RM480 million previously, to ensure every family in Sarawak has an adequate supply of essential goods.

“We want every family, at the very least, to have food on the table and sufficient basic supplies including rice, sugar, coffee and tea,” he told reporters when launching the 2026 SKAS at the Ramadan Bazaar in Stutong here today.

He said the programme benefits 857,824 eligible Sarawakians, particularly those in the B40 group and other categories in need.

Following the increase in allocation, Abang Johari said the amount of assistance for each category of recipient has also been raised to ensure more people can benefit directly.

“We are increasing the quantum of assistance. The aid amount of RM250 has been increased to RM300 for single individuals, while RM400 has been raised to RM500 for senior citizens without spouses,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the assistance will be distributed in three phases beginning March 10, followed by May and November.

He added that the assistance will be channelled digitally using a cashless payment platform via the SPay Global application.

-- BERNAMA