Sarawak allocates RM876.2 million to help people cope with cost of living

THE Sarawak government announced an aid package totalling RM876.2 million to help the people cope with the cost-of-living pressure following global economic uncertainty due to conflicts in West Asia.

The package includes an increase in the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) rate, electricity bill discounts and reduced premises rental for small and medium traders.

Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said that through the measure, the SKAS assistance rate has been increased to RM1,100 for households, RM600 for senior citizens and RM375 for eligible single individuals.

“In addition, the state government is also providing a 25 per cent discount on electricity bills for more than 700,000 domestic consumers from April to December this year, with the cost fully borne by the Sarawak government,” he said at the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) Special Assistance Press Conference in Kuching.

He said that to reduce the burden of business operations, traders and hawkers will also enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the rental of markets, stalls and premises owned by local authorities and state agencies.

The measure was taken as an effort to ease the burden of the people, especially the low and middle-income groups who are affected by the rising cost of living.

“Along with the concern over the rising cost of living, the Sarawak Government will provide special financial assistance to ease the financial burden of the low and middle income groups to obtain basic daily necessities,” he said.

Abang Johari said that in total, almost 900,000 recipients are expected to benefit from the assistance, which will be distributed in stages in three phases throughout this year.

The first phase began in March, followed by May and November, with an additional allocation of more than RM136 million compared to the original rate.

“The state government also fully covered the cost of the electricity discount amounting to RM188.1 million, while the premise rental reduction initiative involved financial implications of approximately RM8.1 million,” he said.

The Sarawak Government will continue to monitor the development of global conflicts and their impact on the state economy to ensure that proactive measures can be implemented to safeguard the welfare of the people. – April 16, 2026