KUCHING: The Sarawak state government on Thursday announced several special assistance measures to help its people cope with the challenges of the global energy and economic crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government has agreed to increase the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) for households, senior citizens and single individuals, with payments ranging from RM75 to RM150.
He noted that nearly 900,000 eligible recipients are expected to receive the aid, based on data from this year’s Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients.
“The aid will be disbursed in three phases throughout 2026. The first phase began in March, the second is scheduled for May, and the third for November.
“This increase will involve an additional financial outlay of RM136.2 million. The Sarawak state government’s total allocation for SKAS implementation this year stands at RM680 million, up from the original RM543.8 million,” he announced at a press conference on Thursday.
Abang Johari added that the state government will also provide a special 25 per cent discount for electricity for domestic users from April to December this year.
“An estimated 714,557 domestic users will benefit, with the cost of RM188.1 million fully borne by the Sarawak government,” he said.
Furthermore, to help reduce business costs for traders and hawkers in Sarawak, the government will offer a 50 per cent discount on market and stall rentals under the local authorities.
“For micro, small, and medium enterprises renting business premises owned by state statutory bodies, such as the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), and the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), a 50 per cent rental discount will also be given.
"The respective statutory bodies will bear the cost of this discount, which carries an estimated financial impact of RM8.1 million," he said.
