By Marlynda Meraw
“Living costs have risen, and income is insufficient for many to live comfortably, especially with the fluctuating value of the Ringgit affecting purchasing power, particularly for the B40 (lower income) and M40 (middle income) groups. The SKAS is designed to ease the burden on those in need by providing assistance through S Pay Global for purchasing essential items like rice, cooking oil, sugar, tea, fruits, and vegetables.” Abang Johari (February 18, 2025)
FINANCIAL assistance has long been a foundation of societal progress, serving as a lifeline for vulnerable communities and reinforcing economic resilience. By relieving the burden on low-income groups, such assistance fosters social stability, prevents the descent into extreme poverty, and empowers individuals to redirect their limited resources toward improving their quality of life. In Sarawak, where the government is deeply committed to uplifting the well-being of its people, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has spearheaded numerous initiatives to address socio-economic challenges.
On November 11, 2024, during the tabling of the Sarawak Budget 2025, Abang Johari introduced transformative financial assistance aimed at alleviating the financial pressures faced by low-income groups. Named the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), this initiative targets those affected by the rising cost of living, particularly those in the lower-income (B40) and middle-income (M40) groups.
The Launch and Objectives of SKAS
Officially launched on February 18, 2025, the primary goal of SKAS is to provide targeted financial aid to eligible Sarawakians residing within the State. The assistance enables recipients to purchase essential food items, as Abang Johari highlighted during the launch. In addressing the method of disbursement, Abang Johari zeroed in on the importance of using digital solutions.
“Someone asked me, why is everything becoming digital? Why not give cash instead? What’s wrong with giving cash? We have evaluated the methods,” said Abang Johari after he visited the Sarawak Service Centre at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) complex on January 5, 2025.
His rationale was rooted in previous experiences with cash assistance programmes, such as Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M), where recipients sometimes misused the funds.
“If cash is given, it might be used for other purposes. In the end, the situation didn’t improve, and people were still struggling, even with cash in hand. Sometimes, they couldn’t even afford to buy groceries,” he explained. Abang Johari further elaborated on the decision to move away from cash or voucher-based assistance, reasoning that by distributing the aid through S Pay Global (S Pay), the funds would be used directly for essential items at registered retailers and supermarkets. This digital method prevents misuse and guarantees that the aid serves its intended purpose.
Streamlined Access to Assistance for Eligible Sarawakians
Eligibility for SKAS is based on data from Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 4, 2024, and applies to Sarawakians holding a MyKad with the ‘K’ status. Recipients are categorised into three groups: households, single individuals, and senior citizens. Households include married individuals or single parents with dependents, whose monthly gross income does not exceed RM5,000. Single individuals, aged 21-59 years, with a monthly income of RM2,500 or below, qualify under the second category. The third category targets senior citizens aged 60 and above, who live without a spouse or children and have a monthly income of RM5,000 or below.
Eligible recipients are automatically identified based on STR data, eliminating the need for a separate application. Once eligible, individuals must install the S Pay app, verify their eligibility, update their account details, and confirm their disbursement request. Those who do not appear on the list of eligible recipients were encouraged to make an online appeal through the Sarawak Service portal between February 1 to March 31, 2025.
Disbursement and Impact
The total allocation of SKAS in 2025 stands at RM460 million, as tabled in the Sarawak Budget 2025, aimed at benefitting 886,288 eligible recipients across Sarawak. Assistance is distributed in three categories: RM800 for households, RM250 for single individuals, and RM400 for senior citizens without a spouse or children. By February 18, 2025, more than 564,099 individuals (63.6 per cent) of the eligible recipients had already registered for the assistance. In addition, over 1,200 businesses had signed up as SKAS merchants, enabling recipients to make purchases using their S Pay.
Addressing Rural Challenges
Despite the positive reception in urban areas, the digital nature of the assistance has raised concerns in rural regions where internet access is more limited. The government has acknowledged these challenges and is taking steps to address them. As part of the solution, the State has implemented measures to improve connectivity, including the installation of Starlink satellite internet and the mobilisation of district officers to assist with registrations in remote areas. Abang Johari has made it clear that while there may be some initial hurdles, the government is committed to resolving these issues.
“There might be some hitches, but as we go along, things will smooth out. I’ve asked residents, district officers, and political secretaries to go to the ground and assist,” he said.
Empowering Sarawak Through Technology and Support
The SKAS initiative is not just a response to immediate financial challenges, but also part of Sarawak’s broader vision of creating a digitally inclusive society. By integrating digital solutions like S Pay into SKAS, the State is fostering digital literacy and preparing its citizens for the future. This aligns with Abang Johari’s vision for a digitally empowered Sarawak, where technology supports inclusive and sustainable development.
This assistance represents a significant effort by the Sarawak government to alleviate the pressures of rising living costs on low-income groups. SKAS not only provides immediate relief but also stimulates local economic activities and lays the foundation for long-term socio-economic progress in the State.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd.
