The Sarawak government will raise financial assistance under the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) programme to help residents cope with rising living costs, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
Households earning RM5,000 and below will see their annual SKAS support increase by RM150, from RM800 to RM950, with each disbursement amounting to RM316.
Senior citizens without partners or children, earning RM5,000 or less, will receive RM500 per year, up RM100 from the previous RM400, with disbursements of RM166 each. Single individuals earning RM2,500 or less will receive RM300 annually, up RM50 from RM250, with payments of RM100 per disbursement.
The 2026 Sarawak Budget allocates RM640 million for the expanded SKAS programme, which is expected to benefit more than one million recipients. Assistance will be distributed every four months.
“SKAS demonstrates the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s commitment to listening, responding, and delivering for our people,” Abang Johari said. “We are not just managing budgets; we are improving lives and ensuring no one is left behind.”
This year, SKAS provided support ranging from RM250 to RM800, with a total allocation of RM557 million, benefiting over 1.03 million Sarawakians.
