SKAS aid to be credited before Hari Raya, says Abang Johari

KUCHING (March 6): The Sarawak government will channel the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) to eligible recipients before Hari Raya Aidilfitri to help them prepare for the festive season, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report, Abang Johari said the assistance would be launched during the current Ramadan fasting month and credited to recipients through the S Pay Global application.

“We will launch it during Ramadan, where eligible recipients can check S Pay Global to see whether the contribution has been credited by the Sarawak government to help them purchase essential goods,” he said during the Sumbangsih Raya 2026 presentation ceremony at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi.

Abang Johari said the implementation of SKAS reflects the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the people, particularly in helping them obtain daily necessities.

“This effort is to ensure that their kitchens continue to have food. When we practise policies that prioritise the interests of the people, it will make our daily affairs easier,” he said.

Under the SKAS assistance this year, households with a monthly income of RM5,000 and below will receive RM950 a year, an increase from RM800 previously.

Senior citizens without spouses or children earning RM5,000 and below will receive RM500 a year, up from RM400 previously, while single individuals earning RM2,500 and below will receive RM300 annually, compared with RM250 previously.

Abang Johari also said the Sarawak government’s efforts in building bridges and roads across the state have made it easier for Sarawakians to return to their hometowns during festive seasons.

According to him, many areas that previously depended on ferry services, including Daro, Igan, Mukah, Betong and Sri Aman, have seen reduced reliance on ferries following the completion of several major bridges.

He said that improved road networks, including the Pan Borneo Highway which does not impose tolls, have further eased long-distance travel for Sarawakians, especially during festive periods.

“This Hari Raya, not many of our people will need to use ferries in areas such as Daro, Igan, Mukah, Betong and Sri Aman because many bridges have been completed.

“This means there is no longer worry about returning to visit relatives in their respective hometowns,” he said.

Meanwhile, State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said a total of 11,900 uniformed personnel and enforcement officers in Sarawak will receive the 2026 Sumbangsih Raya Food Pack.

She said the Sumbangsih Perayaan programme reflects the government’s appreciation for security and enforcement personnel who continue carrying out their duties to safeguard the state’s sovereignty, safety and peace despite being away from their families during Hari Raya.

According to her, the packs contain six items—ready-to-eat meals, instant mi kolok, crackers, peanuts, three-in-one coffee and three-in-one tea.

“This year, the contents of the contribution packs were also prepared after taking into account suggestions from representatives of the recipient agencies during earlier planning meetings, including the provision of ready-to-eat food to ease personnel while on duty,” she said.

She added that the food packs will be distributed to 11 security and enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces with 4,000 packs, Royal Malaysia Police (2,400) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (1,050).

Other recipients include the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (1,550), Malaysian Prison Department (450), Immigration Department of Malaysia (550), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (750), Road Transport Department Malaysia (550), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (250), Department of Volunteerism Malaysia (250) and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (100).

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, deputy ministers, department heads and invited guests.