KUCHING: Sarawak will channel extra financial assistance totalling RM876.2mil in 2026 to help the people absorb the rise in living costs due to the Middle East conflict.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government expects the conflict to put pressure on logistics and resources that could push up food prices.
"The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has triggered a global energy and economic crisis, which also had a knock-on effect on the cost of living of the people of Sarawak,” he told reporters on Thursday (April 16).
“With the concern over the rising cost of living, the Sarawak government will provide special financial assistance to ease the financial burden of low and middle-income groups to obtain basic daily necessities," he added.
The RM876.2mil, the Premier said, includes increasing allocations for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), a 25% electricity discount for domestic users from April to December 2026 and a 50% discount on market and stall rental owned by local authorities and selected state statutory bodies for petty traders, micro, small and medium traders.
Elaborating on the SKAS, he said qualified households will receive financial aid increases from RM950 to RM1,100, senior citizens from RM500 to RM600 and single individuals from RM300 to RM375.
Johari said, of the total RM876.2mil financial aid, RM680mil is allocated for SKAS, RM188.1mil for electricity discounts and RM8.1mil for rental discount for petty traders.
"These proactive measures demonstrate the Sarawak government's continued commitment to stand with the people in facing uncertain geopolitical challenges and ensuring that the well-being and welfare of the people continue to be maintained," he said.
He assured that the GPS government will continue to monitor the development of the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the economy and businesses in Sarawak.
"This is to ensure that we are always prepared with proactive approaches and measures to address the issues and impacts of the conflict, in addition to working with the federal government in this regard," he added.
