Sarawak’s “K” indicator perks prove attractive enough to draw non-Sarawakians seeking the status, says minister

Fatimah (second right) posing for a group picture with the five recipients holding their replacement identity cards bearing the “K” indicator during the presentation ceremony held here on May 25, 2026.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, May 25: The wide range of welfare benefits and assistance schemes linked to Sarawak’s “K” indicator has made the status increasingly attractive with even a small number of non-Sarawakians submitting applications, underscoring the relative advantage enjoyed by eligible Sarawakians.

Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the cases involving non-Sarawakians were limited and not a cause for concern.

“We do notice some cases, but the number is not alarming. I think there are fewer than 10 cases like this,” she told reporters after chairing the Sarawak State-level Monthly Meeting of the Special Committee on Citizenship Status under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution (JKKSK) No. 3/2026 here, today.

Fatimah said the “K” indicator on Malaysian identity cards has become increasingly important as it is required for eligibility under a growing number of State government assistance programmes.

Among them is the Sarawak Basic Necessities Contribution Initiative (SKAS), which is specifically targeted at Sarawakians and provides direct financial assistance to eligible households to help ease the cost of living and cover basic daily needs as well as household expenses.

She said the “K” indicator is also required for several initiatives under her ministry, including the RM450 Maternity Assistance (BIB), which is provided when either the husband or wife holds the status.

Another major initiative is the Sarawak Endowment Fund (EFS) where RM1,000 is deposited into an account for eligible children and can only be withdrawn at the age of 18 for education purposes.

“These are among the initiatives under our ministry alone. That is why having the ‘K’ indicator is very important,” she said.

At the same event, replacement identity cards bearing the “K” indicator were presented to five applicants whose applications had been approved.

In addition, a citizenship certificate was presented to one applicant who had been granted Malaysian citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution.

The minister also presented statistics on citizenship applications under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution at the meeting, saying that 95 applications were tabled at the latest session comprising 52 cases involving children born out of wedlock, 38 involving children under guardianship and five involving adopted children.

“Cumulatively from 2024 to May 25, 2026, a total of 409 citizenship applications had been tabled. Of the total, 243 involved children born out of wedlock, 136 were under guardianship and 30 were adopted children,” she shared. — DayakDaily