STR benefits reach unbanked Sarawakians

MIRI: The Federal government is expanding the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative nationwide, including in rural Sarawak, to accommodate an estimated 500,000 eligible recipients who do not have bank accounts.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that over 51,000 of these recipients are from Sabah and Sarawak.

“In Sarawak, there are 28,994 STR recipients who receive government contributions through bank accounts. However, many residents in longhouses do not have bank accounts,” Anwar said when officiating at the 2024 Rakyat Madani Sarawakku Sayang programme held at Boulevard Miri Shopping Mall today (Sept 28).

To address this issue, the government is launching the STR cash redemption initiative, allowing direct cash disbursement to recipients.

The first programme was held in Miri today (Sept 28), with another scheduled for Kapit tomorrow (Sept 29).

The respective Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) in Miri receiving the mock cheque during the 2024 Rakyat Madani Sarawakku Sayang programme. Photo: JaPen Malaysia.

The government began disbursing Phase Three of STR to over eight million existing recipients on Aug 29, while new and appeal recipients started on Sept 18.

Each recipient will receive cash assistance of up to RM650 according to their respective categories, either through bank accounts or cash disbursement at BSN branches.

Additionally, the federal government remains committed to implementing various projects for the well-being of the people, including building new clinics and upgrading dilapidated ones.

“In Miri alone, three clinics have been upgraded and repaired this year: Long Bemang Health Clinic, Tudan Health Clinic, and Jambatan Suai Health Clinic. For 2025, four clinics in the Miri area will be repaired,” Anwar said.

He also stressed the need for a more compassionate policy regarding issues faced by rural communities, as there are still several districts lagging behind in development.

“Some Members of Parliament from the Peninsula question why the Pan Borneo Highway does not impose tolls. I tell them to go and see for themselves the conditions of several districts in Sabah and Sarawak that have been left behind for so long,” Anwar said.

He added that the government’s policies must be more considerate, citing the targeted diesel policy and the ongoing resolution of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) matters.

Anwar also presented mock cheques to various Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) in Miri to support their programs, projects, and infrastructure upgrades.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof, and President of the Senate, Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, were also present at the event.