Premier Abang Johari launches second phase of SKAS, says it is intended to help people to purchase basic necessities

SIBURAN, May 15 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg today launched the second phase of Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), saying that it is intended to help the people alleviate the current rising cost of living. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg holding a SKAS placard at the launch of the second phase  of SKAS 2026. 

He said the primary objective of providing this assistance is to enable the people to purchase basic necessities, including groceries.

“We hope that with this increased value, we can slightly ease the burden on our community, which totals approximately 800,000 recipients across Sarawak,” he told reporters the SKAS Walkabout session.

The household category receives RM424, while the senior citizen and single categories receive RM234 and RM150 respectively.

The government also provides other forms of assistance, including a special 25 per cent discount on electricity bills for domestic consumers, as well as a 50 per cent discount on premise rentals.

Meanwhile, the premier said SACOFA Sdn Bhd will serve as the primary backbone of the state's telecommunications infrastructure to improve internet access and speed, particularly in rural areas.

He said the state government can no longer rely entirely on commercial telecommunications providers to expand internet networks in areas with small markets but high infrastructure costs.

“We cannot rely fully on commercial companies at this time; instead, the government will use SACOFA as the network backbone, given that the company is majority-owned by the government.

“The cost of infrastructure improvements will also be borne by the government through SACOFA, and it is hoped that this step will increase the speed and quality of internet access,” he said.

Abang Johari also revealed that Sarawak's long-term vision to explore satellite-based internet technology that no longer relies entirely on fibre optics, instead shifting towards cloud computing systems and digital data storage.

“That is why we need our own satellites, including nanosatellites placed in orbit.

“Now, there is new technology that allows internet access on earth to be channeled through ‘low earth orbit’ using new chips,” he explained.

He added that although the technology is still in the development and research stage, he is optimistic that the target to realise a satellite-based digital ecosystem by 2030 can be achieved.