Basic Living Assistance Application Details in Sarawak - Sebastian Ting: Over 530,000 Applications Completed

(Miri, 10th) As of now, the progress of the Sarawak Basic Living Assistance (SKAS) application shows that over 530,000 people have completed their applications, while about 340,000 have yet to submit their applications.

According to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) 2024 Fourth Phase “Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah” (STR) list, Sarawak has 886,288 individuals eligible for SKAS, including 410,529 households, 361,295 single individuals, and 114,464 seniors. As of now, a total of 538,155 beneficiaries (60.7%) have applied for SKAS through S Pay Global, while 348,133 beneficiaries (39.3%) have yet to complete their applications.

In the Northern Zone (including Bintulu, Miri, and Limbang), there are 214,699 SKAS beneficiaries, accounting for 24.22% of Sarawak's total. Among them, 118,347 people (55.12%) have completed their applications, while 96,352 (44.88%) have not yet applied. The SKAS application period is open from February 1 to March 31, 2025. Eligible individuals can submit new applications or appeals within this period. So far, 15,243 new applications have been submitted through the SKAS system.

To further promote the SKAS initiative, the Sarawak government held a briefing on Sarawak Identity Authentication (Sarawak ID) registration and SKAS application this afternoon at the electronic library. The purpose of this session is to enhance the understanding of the SKAS program among state assembly members (ADUN) and parliamentary service center staff, ensuring effective implementation of the assistance program.

During his speech, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts of Sarawak, and Member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for Piasau, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, stated that the SKAS initiative was announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari on November 11, 2024. It aims to alleviate the economic pressure on low-income groups due to the rising cost of living.

The SKAS assistance amount varies according to the category of recipients: households earning RM5,000 and below can receive RM800; single individuals earning RM2,500 and below can receive RM250; and seniors aged 60 and above, earning RM5,000 and below, can receive RM400.

The assistance is intended for purchasing basic necessities like rice, sugar, cooking oil, and eggs, and it is distributed via the S Pay Global e-wallet to prevent misuse and promote the use of digital payments.

Sebastian Ting pointed out that SKAS not only aids families in need but also promotes the digital development of merchants in rural and remote areas, improving the coverage of digital payments. He revealed that the government is expanding cooperation with supermarkets and retailers to ensure beneficiaries can conveniently purchase essentials locally and access related merchant information via the S Pay Global website and app.

The government's decision to distribute SKAS assistance via S Pay Global aims to prevent funds from being misused while helping Sarawak transition towards a cashless society. This model is already widely used in countries like Singapore, and Sarawak is actively promoting it.

This briefing session was hosted by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), inviting instructors from the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU), the Public Service Digitalization Unit (SCSDU), and S Pay Global to explain relevant policies and application procedures to the participants.

According to Sebastian Ting, the Northern Zone has established 17 registration points across 15 state constituencies and 5 parliamentary constituencies, with Miri having the highest number at 12, followed by Bintulu with 3, and Limbang with 2. He stressed that this briefing would help ADUN and parliamentary service centers better plan and execute SKAS registration and application programs, ensuring more eligible individuals complete their applications within the year.

He urges those who have not yet applied to complete the registration as soon as possible and encourages each constituency to strengthen SKAS publicity to ensure the assistance program effectively benefits grassroots communities.