RM600 mln set aside for SKAS assistance this year, says Awang Tengah

LIMBANG (March 17): The Sarawak government has allocated more than RM600 million under Budget 2026 to increase the assistance rate for the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) for eligible recipients this year, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said the state government remains committed to ensuring that every family has sufficient access to basic food supplies through the initiative.

“Last year, the state government allocated more than RM500 million, and this year it has been increased to over RM600 million for eligible recipients, including senior citizens and single individuals.

“This is our effort to ensure our people, especially the B40 group, will always have food on the table,” he said at the Limbang Islamic Welfare Trust Board (LAKIL) Hari Raya Contribution Presentation Ceremony here on Monday.

Also present were Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah; State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; and Limbang Division Resident Unus Tambi.

Awang Tengah said the aid scheme was introduced as a state government initiative to ensure every family has access to basic necessities and essential kitchen items.

He added that the assistance is disbursed in phases, with payments made via the S Pay Global e-wallet application.

On a separate matter, he said the Sarawak government has also implemented various initiatives to support access to higher education.

These include the provision of free education for Sarawakian students enrolled at universities and higher learning institutions (HLIs) owned by the state government, effective this year.