KUCHING: Households in Sarawak will continue to enjoy utilities discounts for the first six months of this year under the latest Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) special assistance package.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the discounts were part of the BKSS 8.0 package totalling RM285.47mil that aimed to ease the people’s burden during the state’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This assistance reflects the state government’s commitment to revive the economy for the people’s well-being,” he said when announcing the package at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
Abang Johari said discounts of 5%-25% on electricity bills and 10%-25% on water bills would continue from January to June at the cost of RM166.8mil, and RM24mil to the state government, benefiting 647,000 domestic, commercial and industrial consumers.
To assist small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) and traders, the state government will continue the exemption of rental for those operating in premises owned by statutory bodies and government-linked companies from January to June.
The 50% discount on stall rental at markets under local authorities will also be continued for the first six months, benefiting 10,165 licensed hawkers.
In addition, a total of 87,500 hawkers and traders registered under local authorities will receive a one-off grant of RM1,000 through the Sarawak Pay ewallet.
“This will assist hawkers and traders to sustain their business activities,” Abang Johari said.
He also announced a one-off cash incentive of RM500 for penambang (sampan operators), taxi drivers and school bus operators, involving a cost of RM870,000 for 1,725 recipients.
“As Sarawak is now in Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan, more social and economic sectors have reopened and transport services are needed to support these activities,” the Chief Minister said.
