SKAS Will Be Paid Through Spay, Premier: Disbursed in Non-Cash Form

(Kuching 12th) The Sarawak Basic Necessities Assistance (SKAS) will be distributed through Sarawak Pay accounts as a measure to help target groups more effectively obtain basic necessities.

Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, stated that the assistance will not be disbursed in cash form.

He stated that the current policy focus of the Sarawak government is to ensure that every citizen, especially the B40 and M40 groups, always have food on their tables.

“We have devised a policy named 'SKAS', the Sarawak Basic Necessities Assistance fund, specifically for target groups. However, the form of assistance is different, this type of assistance is not provided in cash form. Instead, this assistance fund will go through Sarawak Pay accounts and the funds can only be used to purchase basic necessities such as rice and cooking oil.”

The Premier pointed this out in a special interview with Sarawak TV following the 2025 Sarawak Budget theme.

He added that the Sarawak Basic Necessities Assistance fund is expected to benefit about 800,000 residents, involving a total allocation of 460 million Ringgit to implement this initiative.

“We use this method because sometimes, if we provide cash assistance, it may be used for other purposes. I know countries like Singapore also use this method.”

He added that retail stores, including those in rural areas, will register as Sarawak Pay merchants to ensure that the aid recipients can meet their basic needs.

“This measure not only helps people overcome the challenges of living costs but also strengthens the local economic system.”