SKAS keeps kitchens “berasap”, says Premier as 874,878 Sarawakians receive aid

Abang Johari (front row, third left) and others pose for a group photo during the walkabout and live-run SKAS distribution in Siburan on May 15, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 15: The Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) 2026 second phase has been rolled out today, reaching 874,878 recipients Statewide as the government continues efforts to ease the rising cost of living.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is aimed at ensuring direct household support while encouraging essential spending, particularly ahead of festive celebrations such as Gawai.

“Our objective is to ensure that the people’s kitchens are always ‘berasap’ (a Malay expression meaning having enough food or cooking activity at home), and that they are able to purchase essential goods, especially rice, sugar, cooking oil and other daily necessities.

“At the same time, they will have their own savings, while this assistance is borne by the government. With this support, their income will have a balance, allowing them to spend on other needs,” he told reporters during a walkabout and live-run SKAS distribution in Siburan today.

He added that he also met an 81-year-old single recipient during the walkabout, who had already used part of the assistance to purchase about RM50 worth of groceries.

“Even for a single elderly recipient, this shows the objective is working. There is still balance left for future needs,” he added.

According to a press release issued by the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit under the Sarawak Premier’s Department, the second phase involves 857,814 existing recipients and 17,064 new recipients identified through the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 2 2026 list.

The new inclusion also covers eligible spouses of household heads who are non-Sarawakians, provided the Sarawakian spouse holds a “K” status identity card. With this, total SKAS recipients now stand at 874,878.

For existing recipients, SKAS assistance is disbursed at RM424 for households, RM234 for senior citizens without spouses, and RM150 for single recipients, reflecting the revised structure announced earlier this year.

New recipients will receive combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 payments in a single disbursement — RM740 for households, RM400 for senior citizens without spouses, and RM250 for singles.

The State government has allocated RM680 million for SKAS 2026, an increase of RM50 million from the original allocation, underscoring its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable groups amid inflationary pressures.

Beyond direct cash aid, the Premier also highlighted wider cost-of-living measures, including a 25 per cent electricity tariff discount borne by the State through Sarawak Energy Berhad.

He said this means households pay less on their monthly bills, with the government absorbing part of the cost to ease financial burden.

For example, a RM10 bill would be reduced to RM7.50, with the balance covered by the government.

The State has also introduced a 50 per cent rental reduction for traders operating in government-owned premises and local authority buildings, a move aimed at helping businesses manage operating costs.

He urged traders to reflect the support by avoiding excessive price increases, noting that both government and business communities must play a role in easing cost pressures.

On digital connectivity, the Premier acknowledged limitations faced by commercial telecommunications providers, including Digi Telecommunications and Maxis Berhad, particularly in expanding rural coverage.

He said the State is strengthening its backbone infrastructure through SACOFA to improve fibre optic connectivity, especially in rural areas.

“We cannot fully rely on commercial telcos due to cost constraints and market limitations. SACOFA will play a bigger role as the backbone for connectivity,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said Sarawak is also exploring satellite-based connectivity as part of its long-term digital economy agenda.

“In future, we may not depend only on fibre optics. We are looking at cloud systems supported by our own satellite infrastructure,” he said, adding that the target is around 2030.

He added that work is ongoing on nano-satellite and low-earth orbit technologies to strengthen digital connectivity across the State. — DayakDaily