Pending rep urges State Cabinet to allow non-digital SKAS disbursement

KUCHING (Dec 29) The State Cabinet has been urged to disburse the Sarawak Basic Assistance Fund (SKAS) through bank accounts or other suitable non-digital channels for eligible elderly beneficiaries.

Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong said she had received feedback that many senior citizens, though fully qualified for SKAS, are unable to access the aid due to digital barriers.

“I therefore call for a State Cabinet decision to allow SKAS to be disbursed through bank accounts or other suitable non-digital channels for this group of beneficiaries.

“This is a practical, secure and compassionate solution that can be implemented in time for the 2026 rollout,” she said in a statement.

The statement followed her submission of a letter to the state Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, calling for the immediate tabling of a Cabinet paper to address the policy gap.

The Democratic Action Party lawmaker noted that she had raised the matter during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting last month.

“The letter encloses the names and particulars of affected eligible SKAS recipients who have requested that the assistance be disbursed directly into their bank accounts,” Yong explained.

She pointed out that some eligible individuals do not own smartphones, cannot navigate mobile applications, or are chronically ill, bedridden, or physically incapable of completing the digital processes.

“SKAS is meant to support basic living, and as such no eligible elderly person should be denied aid because of age, illness or digital limitations,” she added.