By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 29: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged eligible Sarawakians who have yet to register with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to do so, warning that many could still qualify as B40 recipients but risk being excluded from government aid schemes simply because they are not in the system.
Dr Sim stressed that registering income details does not automatically mean a person is no longer eligible for assistance.
Instead, he said proper registration under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) system allows the government to accurately identify low-income households and ensure aid reaches deserving recipients.
“Those who cannot get Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) because some people never pay tax or anything, go and open an account with IRB because under STR, when audit counts (or audits are conducted), it is not because we simply give (the assistance).
“Once you open an account with IRB, you automatically become the B40 (if eligible),” he said during a press conference after unveiling the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for Gawai Dayak 2026 at Emart Tabuan Jaya today.
Dr Sim pointed out that many people mistakenly assume registering with IRB would disqualify them from aid, when in reality they may still fall under the B40 category after assessment.
“We also want to capture the data properly. Otherwise, our B40 is getting less and less but a lot of people never register,” he added.
According to Dr Sim, the Sarawak government expects around 900,000 recipients under the SKAS, compared to the current figure of slightly over 800,000 recipients.
He said the State government has allocated larger funding this year, including increasing assistance for senior citizens aged above 60 from RM400 last year to RM600 this year.
Dr Sim credited Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for prioritising people-centric assistance programmes.
“Premier always said money go back to the people,” he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that rising prices continue to affect consumers, including increases in food prices due to higher costs of goods and imports.
“I mean, it’s very sad. A lot of things have gone up in prices. Even my laksa has gone up in prices,” he remarked jokingly.
Dr Sim also touched on the ongoing legal dispute involving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), saying Sarawak stands to channel even more benefits to the people if the State succeeds in its case.
“But if we win the court case against PETRONAS, there will be even more money to channel back to people.
“So, we must fight. Don’t let the Premier fight alone while everyone else runs and ‘tengok saja’ (just watch),” he added.
Also present were Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin and Emart Tabuan Jaya outlet manager Chee Mei Ling. — DayakDaily
