KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is strengthening its social safety net with an increased allocation for the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), alongside new electricity and rental relief measures, to help cushion the impact of global economic uncertainties stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that in addressing rising living costs, the state government will raise SKAS rates for 2026, benefiting low- and middle-income groups in meeting their daily basic needs.
He said the increase in SKAS rates involves an additional financial commitment of RM136.2 million, bringing the total allocation for the scheme in 2026 to RM680 million, up from RM543.8 million previously.
Under the revised structure, eligible households will receive RM1,100 while senior citizens will receive RM600 and single individuals will see their assistance rise to RM375.
“It is estimated that nearly 900,000 recipients will benefit from the enhanced assistance, based on the ‘Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah’ (STR) 2026 database.
“The disbursement will be carried out in three phases throughout the year, with the first phase having commenced in March, followed by the second phase in May and the final phase scheduled for November,” he said during a press conference today (April 16).
Addressing concerns over eligibility, Abang Johari said recipients are identified based on the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) data through the STR 2026 list.
“If there are those who may have been left out, they can reapply through LHDN as we follow the official list,” he said.
In tandem with the enhanced cash assistance, Abang Johari also announced that the state government will also introduce a 25 per cent electricity bill discount for domestic consumers from April to December 2026.
He said the initiative which mirrors the rate previously offered under the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ Special Assistance Package (BKSS).
“An estimated 714,557 domestic consumers will benefit from this initiative, with a total cost of RM188.1 million to be fully borne by the state government,” he said.
To further ease financial pressures particularly among small traders and businesses, Abang Johari said a 50 per cent rental discount will be implemented for markets and stalls under local authorities.
He also said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) renting premises owned by state statutory bodies, such as the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), and Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), will also enjoy a similar 50 per cent reduction in rental.
“The rental relief initiative is expected to incur an estimated RM8.1 million and it will be absorbed by the respective statutory bodies,” he said.
Abang Johari said the financial assistance committed by the state government for 2026 is projected to reach RM876.2 million, encompassing SKAS, electricity discounts, and rental support measures.
He said these proactive measures reflect the state government’s continued commitment to stand with the people in facing geopolitical challenges while ensuring the wellbeing and welfare of the people remain protected.
“The GPS government will continue to monitor the developments in the Middle East conflict and its impact on the economy and business sectors in Sarawak. In facing increasingly challenging and uncertain geopolitical conditions, I call upon all Sarawakians regardless of race and religion to strengthen unity and resilience in overcoming these challenges together.
“I am confident that we will be able to overcome this situation, just as we successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic in the past,” he added.
