KUCHING: The Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) initiative will benefit 857,814 recipients this year with a total allocation of RM539.8mil.
Sarawak deputy state secretary Datuk Seri Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel said eligible recipients were identified based on the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase One 2026 database.
He said the SKAS assistance will be distributed in three phases this year, with the first phase on Tuesday (March 10) involving RM179.6mil.
The second phase, also amounting to RM179.6mil, is scheduled for distribution on May 15, followed by the third phase on Nov 10 with an allocation of RM180.6mil.
"This initiative reflects the Sarawak government's continued commitment to easing the financial burden of the people while ensuring that households have access to essential goods and basic necessities," Abdullah said in a statement on Monday.
He said the implementation of SKAS also complemented ongoing efforts to improve the people's wellbeing.
"Through this programme, the Sarawak government hopes to further support households in managing the rising cost of living while ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most," he added.
SKAS was introduced last year to assist eligible Sarawakians in meeting their basic daily necessities.
The financial assistance has been increased this year for all recipient categories to address the rising cost of living.
Households with a monthly income of RM5,000 and below will now receive RM950.
Senior citizens without spouses or children earning RM5,000 or less will receive RM500, while single individuals earning RM2,500 or less will get RM300.
