Each eligible household to receive RM1,100, senior citizen RM600 and single individual RM375 under special financial assistance

KUCHING, April 16 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has announced a special financial assistance by increasing the rate of the basic needs contribution (SKAS) 2026 to eligible households, senior citizens and single individuals. 

He said the increase is ease the burden of the low and middle income groups to obtain supplies of basic daily needs.

“The ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered a global energy and economic crisis which has also had a ripple effect on the cost of living of the people of Sarawak.

“Global pressures are also being felt with increasing costs such as surcharges on aviation fuel, transportation costs, fertilizer prices and agricultural inputs which have led to an increase in the cost of food and daily grocery items.

“Therefore, the GPS government has decided to assist the people of Sarawak who may be affected,” he told reporters after chairing the State Cabinet meeting today.

He said new rate for each household will be RM1,100 from the current RM950,

senior citizen from RM500 to RM600 and single individual from RM300 to RM375.

“It is expected that nearly 900,000 eligible recipients will receive this assistance based on data from recipients of the 2026 Sumbangan Tunai Ramah (STR),” he said.

“The distribution of assistance will be implemented in stages in three phases throughout 2026.

“The first phase of distribution started in March 2026, followed by the second phase scheduled in May 2026 while the third phase in November 2026.

“This rate increase will involve additional financial implications of RM136.2 million,” AbangJohari said, adding that the Sarawak government's total 2026 financial allocation for the implementation of SKAS this year amounts to RM680 million from the original amount of RM543.8 million.

The premier said the state government will also provide a special electricity discount for domestic consumers of 25 per cent starting April until December 2026.

He said this discount rate is equivalent to the rate that was previously provided through the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance Package (BKSS).

“It is expected that 714,557 domestic consumers will enjoy this benefit, with a payment of RM188.1 million which will be fully borne by the Sarawak government,” he said.

“In addition, to reduce the business costs of traders and hawkers in Sarawak, we will provide a 50 per cent discount on market and stall rental owned by Local Authorities.

“Meanwhile, for micro, small and medium traders who rent business premises owned by state statutory bodies such as the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Land Development and Conservation Authority (LCDA), a 50 per cent rental discount will also be provided and this discount will be borne by the statutory bodies concerned.

“This rental discount initiative involves an estimated financial implication of RM8.1 million,” he said.