By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 6: The Sarawak government will continue its disbursement of the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) this year, with funds expected to be credited to eligible recipients before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the programme will be launched during Ramadan to help Sarawakians prepare for the festive season.
“InsyaAllah, we will launch SKAS. We have increased the assistance and it will be disbursed through Spay Global.
“The funds will be credited to your accounts so you can buy rice, sugar and other household essentials, fully paid for by the government,” he said during the Sumbangsih Raya 2026 programme held at Satria Pertiwi Complex today. An audio recording of his speech was shared with DayakDaily.
Abang Johari noted that the programme ensures households continue to have basic supplies ready for daily use.
“This is what we are implementing, even if it is not directly through the Welfare Department.
“Overall, this is how we assist the community through the policies we have put in place,” he added.
Recently, DayakDaily reported that SKAS will begin to be credited into eligible recipients’ accounts starting March 10 through the SPay Global platform.
This year’s SKAS was enhanced under the Sarawak Budget 2026 with a total allocation of RM640 million, aimed at easing the cost of living burden among households, senior citizens and single individuals across the State.
Under the improved scheme, households with a monthly income of RM5,000 and below will receive RM950 annually, while senior citizens without spouses or children and earning RM5,000 and below will receive RM500 a year, and single individuals earning RM2,500 and below will receive RM300 annually.
These amounts represent an increase from the previous assistance rates introduced in 2025, which provided RM800 for households, RM400 for senior citizens and RM250 for single individuals. – DayakDaily
