KUCHING: Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) is expected to continue next year, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said that the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring food security for all Sarawakians.
“Insya-Allah, SKAS will continue. This is a form of assistance, as the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has said.
“He wants to ensure there’s always food on the table. No matter how difficult life gets, he wants every Sarawakian to have access to basic food supplies.
“That’s why SKAS was introduced,” she said.
She said this when she met with reporters after receiving a visit from Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Datuk Patinggi Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, during the Hari Raya Open House held at her residence on Jalan Sultan Tengah here today.
When asked to comment on current SKAS recipients, she said there are still recipients who have not received the aid due to several factors, including being overlooked from the aid list.
As example, Fatimah explained that bedridden patients, who are unable to come forward, may have missed out on the assistance they were eligible for.
She suggested that it would be best if their family members could assist in ensuring they receive the aid.
“Because the family would know. So that means the family has the information. They should come forward and report it.
“If anyone hasn’t received the aid, please inform Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM), so we can assist. These kinds of cases can happen.
“Once we’re informed, insya-Allah, they will be helped. This is, after all, the government’s intention, to help those who are truly in need,” she said.
She also reminded that the SKAS aid is meant to support recipients throughout the year.
“Some recipients, unfortunately, used up the money all at once.
“Ideally, it should be managed monthly or spread across the year. But some might panic and buy a full trolley of groceries in one go.
“They’re worried they might not get another chance. But anyway, I think it’s because this is the first year.
“In the future, our people will better understand how to manage the aid given by the government,” she added.
