KUCHING, Nov 24 — The Sarawak government has announced an increase in the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) programme, offering stronger financial support to help households cope with the rising cost of living.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, when tabling the Supply (2026) Bill, 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), said the adjustment reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable groups continue to receive meaningful assistance.
Under the revised structure, households with monthly incomes of RM5,000 and below will see their annual SKAS assistance increased from RM800 to RM950. The amount will now be distributed in payments of RM316 every four months. This adjustment aims to help families manage essential expenses more steadily throughout the year.
Senior citizens without partners or children will also benefit. Those earning RM5,000 and below will now receive RM500 annually, up from RM400. Each payment cycle will provide RM166 to help this group meet basic daily needs.
Single individuals with monthly incomes of RM2,500 and below will receive increased assistance of RM300 per year, compared to the previous RM250. Each disbursement will amount to RM100.
Abang Johari said the state government has allocated RM640 million under the 2026 Sarawak Budget to support the enhanced programme. More than one million Sarawakians are expected to benefit from the improved aid structure.
“This is the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in action – listening, responding, and delivering. We are not just managing budgets; we are improving lives,” he said during his address.
He stressed that the government’s priority is to ensure that no one is left behind as Sarawak continues to progress. “Let us continue to build a Sarawak where every citizen feels the care of a government that truly serves.”
For the current year, SKAS assistance ranged from RM250 to RM800, supported by RM557 million in funding. The programme has already benefited over 1.03 million eligible recipients in Sarawak.
The revised SKAS allowances for 2026 will continue to be disbursed once every four months, ensuring steady support for the people.
