MIRI: More than 214,000 eligible recipients in Northern Sarawak have registered for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Scheme (SKAS), a financial aid initiative aimed at supporting low-income individuals and families.
The SKAS recipient list is derived from the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 4-2024 data provided by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
A total of 886,288 Sarawakians qualify for SKAS, comprising 410,529 households, 361,295 single individuals, and 114,464 senior citizens.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting, as of Monday, 538,155 eligible individuals — or 60.7 per cent of recipients — have successfully applied for SKAS through S Pay Global.
However, 348,133 recipients (39.3 per cent) have yet to submit their applications.
In the Northern Zone, which includes the Bintulu, Miri, and Limbang Divisions, a total of 214,699 SKAS recipients (24.22 per cent) of Sarawak’s total eligible recipients have registered.
Of these, 118,347 recipients (55.12 per cent) have applied via S Pay Global, while 96,352 individuals (44.88 per cent) have yet to do so. This covers the area spanning from the Jepak constituency to the Bukit Sari constituency.
Ting disclosed these figures today (Feb 10) during a briefing session on Sarawak ID registration and SKAS applications, held at Pustaka Sarawak Miri.
The SKAS application period is open from Feb 1, allowing Sarawakians to submit appeals or new applications.
Since the system opened, 15,243 new applications have already been received.
Authorities aim to achieve an 86 per cent to 90 per cent registration rate, with efforts ongoing to encourage the remaining 39.3 per cent of eligible individuals to sign up.
The Economic Planning Unit (EPU), the Public Service Digitalisation Unit (SCSDU), and S Pay Global led Monday’s briefing, providing crucial insights into the registration process.
The session saw participation from various government agencies and political party service centres.
The event was attended by Andrew Chien Kai Bing, Chief Operating Officer, Sarawak Information System (SAINS);Hii Saan Chieng, Managing Director, SiliconNet Technologies Sdn Bhd. (S Pay Global); Patricia Ngali, Assistant Director, Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Sarawak; Michelle Wong Hey Ching, Senior Assistant Director, Public Service Digitalisation Unit and Anwar Hanafi Ardimasnyah, Assistant Director, Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), representing the Ukas Director.
