By Karen Bong
SERIAN, Feb 18: Through SPay Global, Sarawak’s own e-wallet, recipients of the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) can simply “ketek saja” (click only) to purchase essential food and goods from registered retailers and supermarkets—even when their pockets are empty.
With the official launch today (February 18), SKAS assistance will begin to be distributed to recipients’ SPay Global accounts in stages.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, highlighted that the Sarawak government’s strategic approaches, economic diversification, and sound financial management have allowed it to increase revenue and share the prosperity with the people, despite global economic challenges and uncertainties.
“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 SPay Global for purchasing essential items like rice, cooking oil, sugar, tea, fruits, and vegetables,” he told a press conference after launching SKAS in Serian Convention Hall today.
As of today, 564,099 (63.6 per cent) of SKAS recipients have successfully registered with SPay Global.
The Premier urged those who have not yet registered to do so immediately to ensure they can access this aid.
“Recipients can simply visit retail stores or supermarkets, select their goods, and the amount will be deducted from their SPay account, making it incredibly convenient,” he added.
During his visit to the Serian market and LePapa supermarket, Abang Johari expressed pride in receiving positive feedback from the community, including traders and hawkers, about the ease and efficiency of using the SPay e-wallet.
“A mother shopping for vegetables and fruits was able to pay effortlessly with SPay, while some merchants were amazed by the cashless transaction, with payments going directly into their accounts,” he shared.
The Premier also expressed confidence in the widespread adoption of technology in Sarawak, with Sarawak ID registering 1.5 million citizens out of a population of 2.8 million—compared to Malaysia’s MyDigital ID, which has not yet reached 1.5 million out of 32 million citizens.
“This success reflects the people of Sarawak’s acceptance of technology,” he said.
Abang Johari reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to continue driving development and strengthening the economy, ensuring prosperity is shared with the people, instead of focusing on divisive issues such as proposals for rules regarding Muslims attending non-Muslim events and celebrations.
The SKAS, part of Sarawak’s Budget 2025, provides a one-off financial aid of RM800 for households, RM250 for single individuals, and RM400 for elderly individuals without a spouse.
The Sarawak government has allocated over RM460 million for SKAS, benefiting an estimated 886,288 individuals across the region.
For eligible individuals who are not yet listed as SKAS recipients, applications are open online via http://sarawak.gov.my/skas or at the nearest District Office from February 1 to March 31, 2025.
As of now, 35,416 new applications have been received, with results for these applications expected to be announced starting July 2025.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were present. — DayakDaily
