KUCHING: Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has refuted allegations that the recently announced additional assistance under the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) is linked to preparations for the upcoming state election.
The Premier said such assumptions arose following comments questioning why Sarawak was distributing aid amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
“Is this assistance political because an election is near? The answer is no. I am not thinking about elections – I am thinking about whether our people have food on the table, whether parents can afford milk formula for their children, and ensuring necessities are accessible.
“Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and I assessed whether we have the means to provide this assistance. I told him, ‘Don’t worry, just give’. The people are in need, and since we have the funds, we channel the assistance to them,” he said.
He said this during the closing ceremony of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here today.
Abang Johari stressed that the priority is to safeguard livelihoods, noting that the assistance was increased from RM950 to RM1,100 for eligible households to ensure essential needs such as food, milk and other daily necessities remain within reach.
The aid will be distributed in three phases, including ahead of Gawai Dayak in May to support festive preparations, and again in November when families are preparing for their children’s schooling.
In addition, he said the state government has introduced measures to ease the cost of living, including a 25 per cent electricity rebate implemented through Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB), with the state government absorbing the cost.
Rental rates for traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have also been reduced by 50 per cent statewide to help lower operating costs and support household savings.
“Our aid is given because people need support. Are we the ones telling President Donald Trump to attack Iran? No.
“These are global developments beyond our control, but families here are seeking help. Since we have the revenue, we provide it,” he said.
