Stutong: The higher amount provided under the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) in its second year of implementation is helping people cope with the rising cost of living, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the state government has increased the allocation for the programme to RM640 million, compared with about RM480 million previously, to ensure every family in Sarawak has an adequate supply of essential goods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government wants every family to have food on the table and sufficient basic supplies including rice, sugar, coffee, and tea. Abang Johari announced this during the launch of the 2026 SKAS at the Ramadan Bazaar in Stutong.

The programme benefits 857,824 eligible Sarawakians, particularly those in the B40 group and other categories in need. Following the increase in allocation, the amount of assistance for each category of recipient has also been raised to ensure more people can benefit directly.

Abang Johari stated that they are increasing the quantum of assistance. The aid amount for single individuals has been increased from RM250 to RM300, while for senior citizens without spouses, it has been raised from RM400 to RM500.

The assistance will be distributed in three phases beginning March 10, followed by May and November. It will be channelled digitally using a cashless payment platform via the SPay Global application.