By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 5: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has defended the State government’s decision to use a digital platform for implementing the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Contribution (SKAS), instead of cash or physical vouchers.
Drawing from past experiences with programmes like Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M), he explained that cash assistance might not always be spent on necessities such as rice and could be diverted for other uses.
Similarly, physical vouchers could be traded for cash, defeating the programme’s purpose of ensuring essential goods reach households in need.
“With the digital approach, vouchers cannot be misused or exchanged. Our intention is clear—to help people.
“This is not a small initiative; it involves RM460 million to assist Sarawakians,” he said during a press conference at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here today.
SKAS is a financial aid programme designed to support low-income groups through digital vouchers accessible via the SPay Global App (e-wallet), which can be used to purchase basic food items.
Under the programme, households will receive RM800, single individuals RM250, and senior citizens without spouses or children RM400.
Abang Johari added that many Sarawakians are already accustomed to digital platforms, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw a significant shift toward online transactions and shopping.
“The system is already in place, and while there might be initial ‘hitches’ during SKAS registration, I have instructed resident and district officers, along with political secretaries, to provide on-ground assistance to ensure a smooth implementation.
“If the system is properly set up, there shouldn’t be any major issues, including remembering passwords. While people might forget phone numbers—even their own—it’s essential to maintain basic details like usernames and passwords,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted the importance of the Sarawak ID system, which serves as a central database for citizens.
This system allows the State to analyse household income levels, monitor university enrolment, and assess overall conditions to design policies that support residents and improve community welfare.
Addressing concerns from rural communities still using feature or basic phones, he said elected representatives and relevant authorities could assist those who genuinely cannot afford new phones. However, such assistance would be limited.
He noted that frequent changes in phone numbers or devices as well as using multiple phone numbers for different purposes, pose a challenge for the system in identifying users, especially those seeking aid. This inconsistency complicates data management and delivery of assistance.
“I want to emphasise that this programme is designed to help families. Therefore, we must exercise discipline in using this system to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
