Over 90,000 left out of LHDN database to receive SKAS aid through appeals

The RM680 million SKAS welfare programme expands by 90,000 recipients via a new appeals process, reinforcing Sarawak's shift toward a leakproof, cashless distribution network for baseline household staples.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 20: Eligible Sarawakians left out of the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) database can still secure welfare benefits through a newly introduced appeal process, a move expected to expand the State’s assistance net to over 90,000 additional recipients.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the ongoing appeal mechanism, framing it as a vital safety net to ensure vulnerable individuals missed by federal tax data do not slip through the cracks of the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) programme.

“Some were left out of the LHDN list. We asked them to submit appeals. Through the appeal process, about 90,000 more people are expected to receive assistance.

“If there are eligible individuals who are not listed, they may submit appeals and, if they meet the requirements, they will also receive assistance,” he said during the SKAS walkabout and the grand opening of Farley Garden here today.

The move reinforces a massive State-led welfare scheme that already commands a RM680 million budget this year. SKAS currently provides a financial lifeline to 874,878 people across the region, distributing aid among 405,505 heads of households, 127,266 senior citizens and 342,107 single citizens.

Disbursed in three phases annually, specifically in March ahead of the Gawai Dayak festival and in November, the aid is timed to mitigate rising inflation and help families manage major seasonal spikes in household expenses, such as back-to-school shopping.

Beyond funding, the Premier highlighted a significant shift in how the State manages welfare delivery, pointing to the success of Sarawak’s cashless distribution platform, S Pay Global, in curbing administrative leakages.

By utilising a targeted, digital payment mechanism, the government can channel funds directly to recipients while ensuring the capital is restricted to critical survival needs.

However, the transition away from physical currency has not been without its friction.

“When we first introduced the system, many people complained and asked why they could not see the cash physically. They only saw the payment through S Pay Global.

“But this is targeted assistance. It ensures there is no leakage, and guarantees that the aid is spent exactly where it is needed, on essential items such as food and household necessities,” he emphasised.

According to him, the digitalisation of welfare assistance is part of the State government’s broader effort to modernise public service delivery and improve the efficiency of aid distribution.

“By absorbing the baseline costs of daily staples like rice and sugar, the government aims to free up disposable income for families to reallocate towards long-term financial stability,” he said.

He added that the State government remains committed to strengthening targeted welfare assistance while advancing economic development through digitalisation and support for local enterprises. — DayakDaily