Abang Johari takes a stroll around Farley Kuching during the event.
KUCHING (June 20): Some 90,000 individuals not included in the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) database for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) have been urged to submit appeals for review.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in giving this reminder said that the appeal mechanism was still in place to ensure that eligible recipients who were initially left out could still be considered.
“There are those who were left out of the LHDN list. We ask them to appeal, and from that process the outcome is an additional about 90,000 (individuals).
“This means those who were missed, if their names are not there, please ask village chiefs and community leaders to assist. If your people are not listed, they may have been left out. If the situation is genuine, they may still be included,” he said at the Sesi Walkabout and Live-Run SKAS 2026 in conjunction with the official opening of Farley Garden Kuching.
Abang Johari said SKAS currently benefits 874,878 recipients across Sarawak, aimed at helping households cope with rising living costs.
He said the recipients comprise 405,505 households, 127,266 senior citizens, and 342,107 single individuals.
He added that the state government had increased the allocation for the programme this year, with payments distributed in three phases, starting in March, followed by a pre-Gawai disbursement, and the next scheduled for November.
He said the timing of the assistance aligned with key household financial needs, including school preparation periods.
“We schedule the payments according to when families need financial support, especially during school opening periods,” he said.
Abang Johari said the assistance is channelled through SPayGlobal, enabling direct transfers into recipients’ accounts.
“Previously there were concerns about digital payments, but now the funds go directly into recipients’ accounts. It is more efficient and transparent,” he said.
He added that SKAS is designed as targeted assistance with a defined list of essential goods to ensure proper use of aid.
The SKAS initiative is part of the state government’s broader effort to redistribute increased revenue back to the people, with a total allocation of RM680 million this year.
