(Kuching, 19th) — The Sarawak government continues to strengthen the Housing Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS), launching several new initiatives including raising the income eligibility ceiling and expanding the scope of assistance to ensure more people benefit.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that this move demonstrates the state government’s ongoing commitment to helping low and lower-middle income groups who are facing the challenges of rising living costs and rental pressures.
"One of the main improvements to the SRAS for 2026 is raising the total household income eligibility ceiling from RM4,556 to RM5,504 and extending the maximum aid period from three years to four years, in order to ensure more sustained support for recipients."
He explained during a department summary today that the Sarawak Housing Assistance Scheme (SRAS) has been expanded to several new areas, including Serian, Xinsheng Village, Sri Aman, Mukah, and Kapit, enabling more communities to receive assistance.
He stated that this expansion reflects the Sarawak government’s inclusive approach to ensure that all groups can access housing aid, especially residents in rural and suburban areas.
"This measure not only strengthens the social safety net but also provides support for people who need temporary housing security."
Additionally, he revealed that from 2021 to April 2026, a total of 7,302 SRAS applications had been approved, with a total allocation of RM35.36 million.
According to him, most aid recipients are from Kuching, followed by Bintulu, Sibu, Samarahan and Miri.
He explained that these numbers indicate a high demand for housing rental assistance, especially in major urban areas. Furthermore, the scheme also involves 581 tertiary education students and 124 civil servants residing in government quarters.
He added that the improvements to SRAS are expected to have a more comprehensive impact on the target groups, aligning with the state government’s endeavors to ensure the people’s welfare is continuously safeguarded.
"One of the main improvements to the SRAS for 2026 is raising the total household income eligibility ceiling from RM4,556 to RM5,504 and extending the maximum aid period from three years to four years, in order to ensure more sustained support for recipients."
He explained during a department summary today that the Sarawak Housing Assistance Scheme (SRAS) has been expanded to several new areas, including Serian, Xinsheng Village, Sri Aman, Mukah, and Kapit, enabling more communities to receive assistance.
He stated that this expansion reflects the Sarawak government’s inclusive approach to ensure that all groups can access housing aid, especially residents in rural and suburban areas.
"This measure not only strengthens the social safety net but also provides support for people who need temporary housing security."
Additionally, he revealed that from 2021 to April 2026, a total of 7,302 SRAS applications had been approved, with a total allocation of RM35.36 million.
According to him, most aid recipients are from Kuching, followed by Bintulu, Sibu, Samarahan and Miri.
He explained that these numbers indicate a high demand for housing rental assistance, especially in major urban areas. Furthermore, the scheme also involves 581 tertiary education students and 124 civil servants residing in government quarters.
He added that the improvements to SRAS are expected to have a more comprehensive impact on the target groups, aligning with the state government’s endeavors to ensure the people’s welfare is continuously safeguarded.