Avoid unnecessary spending, minister reminds SKAS recipients

SIBU (March 16): Recipients of Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) must utilise the financial aid responsibly and avoid unnecessary spending.

In giving this reminder, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said SKAS was meant for families from the low-income group to buy essential household items, and ‘not for splurging’.

The Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman highlighted this at the SKAS 2026 launch for Dudong constituency, which took place at the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre in Sibu Jaya on Sunday.

“SKAS is an important initiative by the Sarawak government to help alleviate financial pressure faced by the people.

“The increase in aid this year reflects the state government’s commitment and concern for the welfare of the people, particularly those in need.

“I notice that for this year, the assistance for the household category has been raised from RM800 to RM950; the aid for senior citizens and students has increased from RM400 to RM500; fund for the single category has risen from RM250 to RM300,” he said.

Adding on, Tiong also encouraged the continued usage of S Pay Global, the state’s official e-wallet platform, which had recorded over 90 per cent registration among SKAS beneficiaries.

The SKAS distribution for this year runs across three phases: in March, May and November.