By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 18: A total of 857,814 recipients across Sarawak are eligible for the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) this year, with 50,284 of them in the Betong Division, where aid amounts have been increased.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas highlighted that the government had raised the assistance to RM950 for households, RM500 for senior citizens, and RM300 for singles, ensuring that low-income families receive stronger support amidst rising living costs.
“The SKAS programme is part of the GPS government’s initiatives under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to alleviate the financial burden of the people, particularly those in the lower-income bracket,” he said in his text-of-speech when addressing the SKAS launching ceremony for the Betong Division at Spaoh Community Hall today.
Uggah noted that the initiative, which began in 2017, has benefited more than 888,000 recipients in its first year alone, involving RM480.2 million in government expenditure.
“Seeing the positive impact, the Sarawak government has expanded the 2026 allocation to RM640 million to continue supporting Sarawakians,” he said.
Uggah highlighted that recipients can access the aid through digital vouchers in the SPay Global mobile application, usable at 86 registered supermarkets and retailers across the Betong Division, including Betong town, Saratok, Pusa, Debak, Spaoh, Maludam, Kabong, and Roban.
The government stressed that this method ensures funds are used exclusively for basic food needs while also supporting the State’s move toward a cashless society.
“For bedridden patients under the care of the Social Welfare Department, redemption will be coordinated by the respective District Social Welfare Offices, while other recipients facing difficulties with the online system can seek assistance from their family, Community and Village Leaders (KMKK), or the Resident Office,” he said.
Uggah expressed gratitude to all government agencies and local leaders for ensuring smooth implementation and urged recipients to make full use of the aid to support their families’ basic needs.
“The GPS government will continue to translate the State’s growing resources into welfare programmes, in line with Sarawak Maju Makmur’s vision towards 2030,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring Sarawak’s development benefits everyone. — DayakDaily
