Update SKAS 2026 beneficiary system, urges Dapsy man

KUCHING (March 12): The Sarawak government has been urged to update its system data and consider distributing the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) 2026 via bank accounts to ensure timely aid for all eligible individuals.

Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak secretary George Lam said a man approached him after discovering he did not receive SKAS 2026, despite qualifying through the federal Rahmah Cash Assistance (STR) Phase 1 2026.

Lam noted that this case is likely not isolated.

“Across Sarawak, many eligible individuals are not included in the SKAS 2026 beneficiary list, and system checks show they cannot receive aid through S Pay Global.”

He added that delays in SKAS distribution cannot be justified by outdated system data.

Lam suggested the state government obtain updated beneficiary lists from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) for every SKAS phase, as STR applications are now open year-round and approvals may occur at different stages.

He also called for alternative methods to assist vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, the hardcore poor, and those without smartphones, by enabling aid delivery through bank accounts.

“Many bedridden or elderly individuals cannot pass facial recognition verification due to changes in their appearance, preventing them from using the S Pay Global app. As a result, they miss out on assistance they need,” Lam said.

Lam reiterated the need to update the beneficiary list and provide accessible payment options to ensure no eligible recipients are left out due to administrative limitations.

On March 9, Deputy State Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel said 857,814 eligible individuals would begin receiving the SKAS from March 10, based on the STR Phase 1 2026 database.