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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 2: The Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) will begin to be credited into eligible recipients’ accounts starting March 10 through the SPay Global platform.

This follows a report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today on the preparedness of government agencies in Kapit Division to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme at the local level.

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SKAS was enhanced under the Sarawak Budget 2026 with a total allocation of RM640 million, aimed at easing the cost of living burden among households, senior citizens and single individuals across the State.

Under the improved scheme, households with a monthly income of RM5,000 and below will receive RM950 annually, while senior citizens without spouses or children and earning RM5,000 and below will receive RM500 a year, and single individuals earning RM2,500 and below will receive RM300 annually.

These amounts represent an increase from the previous assistance rates introduced in 2025, which provided RM800 for households, RM400 for senior citizens and RM250 for single individuals.

The assistance is disbursed quarterly and can be used to purchase essential items such as rice, cooking oil and other daily necessities through the digital payment platform.

In the same report, UKAS informed that the Sarawak-level SKAS launching ceremony will be held in Kuching on March 11.

Recipients are advised to ensure that their SPay Global application remains active and accessible to enable them to verify the crediting of the assistance into their accounts. — DayakDaily