SERIAN: A total of 63.6 per cent of the Sarawak Basic Necessities Assistance (SKAS) recipients have registered for the SPay Global e-wallet.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that as today (Feb 18), a total of 564,099 individuals have begun receiving the assistance in stages, with the assistance ultimately targeting 886,288 recipients.
Expressing satisfaction with the adoption of digital transactions, Abang Johari noted that Sarawakians are becoming more adept at using cashless payment systems.
“I had the opportunity to visit the Serian farmers’ market earlier, where I observed recipients using digital payments seamlessly to buy goods.
“I also received positive feedback from vendors who are excited about the transition to e-wallet transactions.
“They appreciate that payments go directly into their accounts without the need for cash handling, allowing them to track transactions easily,” he said.
He told the media this during a press conference after officiating at the SKAS initiative here Tuesday.
In his speech, Abang Johari asserted that the assistance is not merely a temporary measure but part of an ongoing effort to improve the well-being of Sarawakians.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology for aid distribution.
“We utilise Sarawak Pay (SPay) and Sarawak ID to ensure that assistance reaches eligible recipients efficiently.
“This technology helps prevent leakages and ensures a more systematic distribution process,” he added.
Earlier, Abang Johari officially launched the SKAS initiative at the Serian Conference Centre, followed by a walkabout at the Serian farmers’ market and Lepapa Hypermarket.
The assistance is a one-off aid, providing RM800 per household, RM250 for single individuals, and RM400 for senior citizens without spouses.
This initiative aims to ease the financial burden of low-income groups affected by the rising cost of living.
The aid is distributed via the SPay Global e-wallet, allowing recipients to purchase essential food items.
To date, more than 1,200 merchants across Sarawak have registered under the SKAS programme, enabling recipients to shop at participating outlets statewide.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak government has received 35,416 new applications for SKAS assistance, with decisions on these applications expected to be announced starting July 2025.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
