SIMANGGANG: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) grassroots leaders have been urged to ensure members are well-informed about the latest state government aid programmes announced during the 2025 State Budget presentation.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah stressed the importance of spreading awareness about these initiatives, which are designed to benefit all Sarawakians.
He said the goal of the budget is to ensure that no one is left behind and that every individual has access to essential resources, pointing out that the philosophy behind the budget is that there is always food on the table for everyone
“These programmes are formulated to support every Sarawakian residing in the state. It is crucial that all PBB grassroots leaders ensure their members have a thorough understanding of these programmes, as this will enable them to fully benefit,” he said.
Uggah said this at the triennial meeting of the Bukit Begunan and Engkilili branches held at a hotel here Saturday (Nov 23).
One of the key programmes highlighted by Uggah is the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) or Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution, which has an allocation of RM450 million.
This financial assistance, ranging from RM250 to RM800 annually, targets the low-income group and is expected to benefit at least 850,000 individuals across the state.
He noted that the assistance complements the federal Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR).
Other notable programmes include the Post Natal Assistance with a budget of RM14 million, as well as RM55 million allocated for various welfare aids such as disaster assistance, medical assistance, and general aid.
Additionally, he said RM15 million has been earmarked for Death Passionate Assistance to ease the financial burden on families of deceased Kenyalang Gold Card holders, and RM50 million for the Senior Citizen Health Benefits programme.
“Among the other relevant assistance programmes, there are also provisions for pocket money for Sarawakian students in higher learning institutions,” Uggah added.
To ensure that people are aware of these initiatives, he called on all branch and sub-branch leaders to organise seminars or talks to educate the public on the available aid and the application process.
“These sessions should be held as soon as possible, or at the latest, by the end of January,” he urged.
In addition, resolutions were passed by both branches proposed that party president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg be returned unopposed during the party convention in February next year.
The Engkilili branch, chaired by Senator Susan Chemerai Anding, will see a leadership change as Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu is set to take over for the 2024-2027 session.
The Bukit Begunan branch on the other hand is led by Anthony Abell Chendan.
