KUCHING: The Sarawak government is implementing the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) 2026 initiative to ease the financial burden faced by recipient households.
A total of 857,814 recipients across Sarawak have been identified as eligible for the assistance based on the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase One 2026 recipient database.
Deputy State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdullah Zaidel said the initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to help people in need.
“The SKAS initiative is part of the Sarawak government’s broader efforts to ensure assistance reaches those who genuinely need support,” he said in a statement on Monday (March 9).
The SKAS assistance will be distributed in three phases throughout 2026.
According to Abdullah, the first phase of the assistance will be distributed beginning March 10, involving an allocation of RM179.6 million.
He said that the second phase of the assistance, originally scheduled earlier, will now be distributed on May 15.
“The second phase will also involve an allocation of RM179.6 million, ensuring continuity of assistance to eligible recipients throughout the year,” he added.
The final phase of the SKAS assistance is scheduled to be distributed on Nov 10, with a slightly higher allocation amounting to RM180.6 million.
Abdullah said the distribution phases are designed to provide continuous support for households managing everyday expenses and basic living needs.
He said the initiative demonstrates the Sarawak government’s proactive approach in addressing the increasing cost of living affecting many families.
“Through programmes like SKAS, the government aims to strengthen social support systems and ensure that essential assistance remains accessible to the people,” he said.
He added that the initiative complements existing state measures aimed at improving the well-being and socio-economic stability of communities across Sarawak.
“The Sarawak government hopes the programme will continue to help households manage rising living costs while ensuring essential goods remain within reach for those in need.
“Authorities will continue monitoring the implementation process to ensure that the assistance is delivered efficiently and benefits eligible recipients throughout Sarawak,”he said.
