THE Sarawak Government’s latest round of assistance – from the enhanced Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) to electricity discounts and rental relief for businesses – could not have come at a better time.
Global uncertainties, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia, are no longer distant headlines.
The impact is already here, quietly reflected in rising grocery bills, higher transport costs, and the steady increase in prices of everyday essentials.
The state government’s response is timely and necessary.
For those who qualify, the increase in SKAS – RM1,100 for households, along with higher allocations for senior citizens and individuals – will make a meaningful difference.
It is support that goes directly to those who need it most, and for that, I am genuinely happy for them.
But sitting through the press conference, I found myself reflecting on a different reality.
It is one that many may relate to, but few openly talk about – my household is not eligible because we fall outside the bracket.
The eligibility for SKAS is similar to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) 2026, and like many others, we simply do not meet the criteria.
Yet we feel the strain. Not in dramatic ways, but in the quiet, everyday adjustments that slowly reshape how we live. It shows up most clearly in the essentials.
As new parents, one of the most obvious examples is milk formula for Rafael. A box that used to cost RM216.90 now costs RM227.90.
The difference may seem small at first glance – just RM11 – but when he goes through five to six boxes a month, that increase adds up quickly.
In fact, the total monthly cost of his milk alone now exceeds what I pay for my car instalment – and that is just one item.
It does not include diapers, baby food, or other necessities that come with raising a child. These are not optional purchases; they are fixed and unavoidable costs.
And so, like many others, we adjust. We take a second look at what goes into our shopping cart, compare prices more carefully, and delay purchases that are not urgent.
We think twice, sometimes three times, before spending. Nothing drastic – just a quiet and constant recalibration. We are not struggling in the way some families are, and that perspective matters. There are those who genuinely need this assistance, and they should receive it.
But there is also a growing group in between. Not struggling enough to qualify, but not comfortable enough to be unaffected. And so, we adapt.
We become more mindful with spending, more deliberate with choices, and more aware of how far a ringgit can stretch.
It is not about cutting everything out, but about being more intentional – fewer unnecessary purchases, more planning ahead, and prioritising what truly matters.
At the same time, the Premier’s reminder about checking one’s eligibility is important. Those who may have been left out are encouraged to check their status with LHDN, as SKAS is based on the STR 2026 list.
If there are discrepancies, there is still an opportunity to update information or reapply. For some, that could make all the difference.
Still, for many others, the situation is not about being overlooked, but simply about where they stand – and this is where broader measures come into play.
The 25 per cent electricity discount, for one, is something households like mine are genuinely grateful for. It may not be direct cash assistance, but it is a form of relief that is felt consistently.
A reduction in a fixed monthly expense may seem small on paper, but over time, it helps ease the pressure.
At the same time, the rental discount for businesses, particularly small traders and those operating in local authority premises or government-linked properties, is equally important. Lower operating costs can help businesses stay afloat, and indirectly, this helps keep prices more manageable for consumers.
In moments like these, such measures matter because the reality is that rising costs affect everyone, just in different ways.
Some receive direct support, while others adjust quietly. Both are navigating the same environment, just with different levels of buffer.
This column is by no means a criticism, but rather a reflection of a reality many households face.
At the end of the day, targeted assistance will always be necessary. Resources must be prioritised, and those in the most vulnerable positions should come first.
But perhaps there is also room to acknowledge this middle ground – households that are managing, but not without effort. Households that are not asking for more but are learning to cope with less.
For now, we carry on.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sarahhafizahchandra@gmail.com.
