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The Sarawak government has announced a series of special assistance to help the people in the state cope with the challenges of the global energy and economic crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict.
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) would be increased for households, senior citizens and single individuals, with payments ranging from RM75 to RM150, Bernama reported.
He said nearly 900,000 eligible recipients are expected to benefit based on this year’s Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah data.
“The aid will be disbursed in three phases throughout 2026. The first phase began in March, the second is scheduled for May, and the third will be in November,” he told a press conference, adding that the increase involves an additional RM136.2 million to the initial RM543.8 million allocated for SKAS this year.
Abang Johari also announced a 25% electricity discount for domestic users from April to December this year, which will benefit 714,557 households.
The subsidy, estimated at RM188.1 million, will be fully borne by the state government.
To ease business costs, Abang Johari said the government would also provide a 50% discount on market and stall rentals under the local authorities.
“For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises renting business premises owned by state statutory bodies, such as the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, the Bintulu Development Authority, and the Land Custody and Development Authority, a 50% rental discount will also be given.
“The respective statutory bodies will bear the cost of this discount, which carries an estimated financial impact of RM8.1 million,” he said.
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