A NEW initiative, titled Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), has been announced to help alleviate the financial burden on Sarawakians, particularly those from low-income groups most affected by the rising cost of living.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative will provide annual financial assistance ranging from RM250 to RM800, depending on eligibility.
“Eligible recipients are Sarawakians residing in the state, and the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Households with an income of RM5,000 or below will receive RM800 in assistance.
- Senior citizens without partners and children with an income of RM5,000 or below will receive RM400.
- Single individuals with an income of RM2,500 or below will receive RM250.
“This assistance will help recipients purchase basic food items such as rice, flour, sugar, and other essential goods,” he said.
He made this announcement while tabling the second reading of the Sarawak Budget 2025 during the second meeting of the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Abang Johari revealed that the state will allocate RM450 million for SKAS in 2025, benefiting no fewer than 850,000 Sarawakians.
“With this assistance, I can confidently say that everyone will have food on their table,” he added.
He also noted that most SKAS recipients will additionally benefit from the federal government’s Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme.
