KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to reinforce its welfare agenda with the announcement of an increase in the assistance rates under the Skim Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) initiative, effective from 2026.

This move aligns with the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s commitment to help citizens cope with the rising cost of living.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, announced that the state government is allocating RM640 million under the 2026 Budget and expects over 1 million Sarawakians to benefit from this enhanced assistance.

"This is the GPS Government in action—listening, responding, and delivering. We are not just managing a budget; we are improving lives. Let us continue to build a Sarawak where no one is left behind and every citizen feels the care of a government that truly serves," he said.

He made these remarks while presenting the Supply (2026) Bill, 2025 during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) here on Monday.

The Sarawak Premier informed that the SKAS assistance rate will be disbursed every four months starting 2026 to ensure it better corresponds with the needs of the people.

Through these enhancements, he explained the following increases:

Households with an income of RM5,000 and below will see their assistance increase from RM800 to RM950 annually, with each payment totalling RM316.

Elderly individuals without a spouse or children and with an income of RM5,000 and below will receive an increase from RM400 to RM500 annually, amounting to RM166 per payment.

Single individuals with an income of RM2,500 and below will benefit from a rise in assistance from RM250 to RM300 annually, equivalent to RM100 per payment.

In related news, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari revealed that since its implementation this year with an allocation of RM557 million, SKAS has already benefited over 1.03 million Sarawakians. - UKASnews

Reporter: Nur Nabilla
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Jaed Tepus & Hazrin Sunaini