By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 5: Individuals who are not listed but meet the eligibility criteria for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Contribution (SKAS) can submit their applications between February 1 and March 31, 2025.
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.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg explained that eligible individuals are Sarawak citizens with the ‘K’ status, residing in Sarawak, and recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 4 2024, based on data from the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM).
“Those not listed under STR but who meet the eligibility criteria for SKAS can submit their applications from Feb 1 to March 31, 2025,” he stated during a press conference at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here today.
Based on the STR recipient list, 886,288 individuals qualify for SKAS, comprising 410,529 households, 361,295 single individuals, and 114,464 senior citizens without spouses or children.
Under the programme, households will receive RM800, single individuals RM250, and senior citizens without spouses or children RM400.
This brings the total financial implication of the SKAS programme for the Sarawak government to RM464.5 million, excluding additional applicants who may submit applications later.
“To ensure smooth implementation, the Sarawak government will mobilise its administrative machinery, including Resident and District Officers, local authorities, Service Sarawak Centres, and other administrative bodies throughout the State,” Abang Johari said.
He added that political secretaries will also collaborate with elected representatives to assist those registering for SKAS.
The SKAS programme is set to launch in the Serian Division on Feb 18, 2025, with funds disbursed to recipients via the SPay Global e-wallet on the same day.
Eligible Sarawakians who have not yet registered with SPay Global are encouraged to do so, as registration will remain open year-round.
To date, Abang Johari said 244,000 individuals or 27 per cent have registered for the SKAS aid.
Also present were Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol. — DayakDaily
