The improved SKAS assistance and 25 per cent electricity bill discount have provided meaningful relief amid rising living costs, though the overall impact is seen as modest. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (April 21): The improved Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) and the 25 per cent discount on domestic electricity bills may collectively be seen as a small gesture by the state government, but the impact is significant amidst the present challenging situation of rising living costs.
For Nuurin Hanani Anua, the domestic electricity bill discount has made a noticeable difference, especially for her family living in Serian.
According to the 26-year-old account associate, who is renting a room in Kuching at the moment, her large family home in Serian records high electricity costs that can reach between RM3,000 and RM4,000 per month.
“With the discount, it can go down to about RM2,000 but during festive seasons, electricity usage is usually higher,” she told The Borneo Post.
Nuurin Hanani Anua
As a single SKAS recipient getting the RM375, which had been increased from RM300 previously, Nuurin Hanani said she was grateful for the assistance, although she described the impact on her finances as ‘modest’.
“Most of my spending goes towards groceries, where about RM100 is usually enough to purchase fresh ingredients lasting for about a week.
“My room rent is RM280 per month, inclusive of electricity and water supply, so I allocate more spending towards food,” she added.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old accountant Nor Hasni Hajeni from Mukah said the SKAS complemented the monthly MyKasih support that she was already receiving.
“The additional assistance helps with daily expenses and also supports me in helping to settle her parents’ household bills.
Nor Hasni Hajeni
“The 25 per cent electricity bill discount also makes things easier because I help pay my parents’ bills and also the rent for my accommodation,” said Nor Hasni, adding that her parents and other family members are also SKAS recipients.
For Agatha Karong, 45, an operations administrator with one child, the increase in assistance from RM950 to RM1,100 was indeed a relief.
She expressed appreciation to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the additional RM150 provided under the initiative.
Agatha Karong
“It helps reduce our burden, especially with the upcoming festivities like Gawai Dayak. We can buy the necessary items, while for the single recipients, it is enough to cover daily basic needs.”
For 34-year-old small-scale trader Siti Rosnina from Samariang, any financial support is meaningful.
“It helps lighten the burden a little bit, as the cost of living continues to rise,” said the mother of three.
Nonetheless, Siti also expressed hope that additional support could be considered in the future, noting that petrol prices had also increased.
Siti Rosnina
Last Thursday, the state government increased the SKAS household assistance to RM1,100 from RM950, senior citizen’s aid to RM600 from RM500, and assistance for single individuals to RM375 from RM300, as part of continued efforts to cushion the impact of global economic pressures linked to geopolitical tensions.
Another effort is the 25 per cent discount on domestic electricity bills following the statement from Premier announcement that domestic tariff consumers will enjoy the discount until December this year.
