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KUCHING, Jan 18: Around 90,000 Kuching residents have yet to register for the Sarawak Basic Necessities Assistance (SKAS) programme. The initiative, part of the Sarawak Budget 2025, offers financial aid ranging from RM250 to RM800 to help ease financial burdens amid rising living costs. The programme is set to roll out on Feb 18, with registration open year-round.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has announced a comprehensive registration drive involving Resident Offices, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Sains, and SPay Global. These organisations will set up temporary service centres to assist eligible residents in registering for Sarawak ID and SPay e-wallets.
“Registration doesn’t need to be rushed, as it will remain open throughout the year. However, we hope to encourage Sarawakians to take advantage of these mass registration events to claim their entitled aid,” said Dr Sim during the Federation of Chinese Associations’ Media Appreciation event.
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Financial Relief Amid Economic Challenges
Dr Sim emphasised that the SKAS programme is a meaningful initiative by the Sarawak government to reduce the burden of rising living costs. He added, “Having 90,000 unregistered individuals is a significant number, and we aim to address this promptly.”
Eligible households with a monthly income of RM5,000 or below can receive RM800, while senior citizens without dependents will receive RM400. Single individuals earning RM2,500 or below are entitled to RM250.
The financial aid will be disbursed via the SPay e-wallet, ensuring recipients, particularly those from lower-income groups, can purchase essential goods like rice, flour, and cooking oil.
How to Register and Reapply
Temporary service centres are operational across Sarawak until Feb 7 to assist residents. Those initially deemed ineligible can reapply between Feb 1 and March 31.
The public can visit the official Sarawak government website for detailed eligibility criteria.