Sarawak govt commits RM876.2 mln for expanded aid package in 2026

Abang Johari (centre) announces the Special Cash Assistance during a press conference after chairing the State Cabinet Meeting at the Satria Pertiwi Complex on April 16, 2026. Also seen are (from left) Dr Sim, Uggah, Awang Tengah and Abu Bakar looking on. Photo credit: Sarawak Premier's Office (OPS)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 16: The Sarawak government’s expanded special assistance package for 2026 carries a total financial commitment of RM876.2 million as the state steps up efforts to cushion the impact of global economic pressures linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

KUCHING, April 16: The Sarawak government has announced a RM876.2 million expanded special assistance package to help Sarawakians cope with the impact of global economic pressures linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the RM876.2 million allocation comprises three key components, including an enhanced Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) 2026, electricity rebates for domestic users, and rental discounts for small traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Overall, the total financial assistance by the Sarawak government for 2026 amounts to RM876.2 million, comprising RM680 million for SKAS, RM188.1 million for the 25 per cent electricity discount, and RM8.1 million for the 50 per cent rental discount for markets, stalls and business premises owned by local authorities and State statutory bodies.

“This is the financial implication we are providing to help our people, and this is an estimate — it may be more depending on circumstances that may require additional support,” he said during a press conference after chairing the State Cabinet Meeting at the Satria Pertiwi Complex, broadcast live via TVS and UKAS channels today.

Under the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) 2026 programme, the government has increased aid rates for eligible households, senior citizens and single individuals.

Households will now receive RM1,100, up from RM950; senior citizens will receive RM600, up from RM500; while single individuals will receive RM375, up from RM300. The increase involves additional funding of RM136.2 million, bringing the total SKAS allocation for 2026 to RM680 million.

He said nearly 900,000 recipients are expected to benefit based on the 2026 Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) database, with payments to be disbursed in three phases — March, May and November 2026.

The Premier also announced a 25 per cent electricity discount for domestic users from April to December 2026, fully funded by the Sarawak government at a cost of RM188.1 million and expected to benefit 714,557 users.

In addition, the government will introduce a 50 per cent rental discount for small traders, hawkers and micro, small and medium enterprises renting local authority and state statutory body premises. The rental relief, which will be borne by the respective agencies, carries an estimated financial implication of RM8.1 million.

According to Abang Johari, Sarawak’s earlier efforts in developing alternative energy and infrastructure have helped reduce dependence on diesel, cushioning the State from global fuel price volatility.

He said initiatives such as the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) have enabled rural households to enjoy 24-hour electricity supply using solar energy, without relying on diesel.

At the same time, he noted that the replacement of ferry services with the construction of toll-free bridges across the State has also contributed to reducing diesel usage.

“With six bridges already completed and four more expected this year, the savings from discontinuing ferry services, including diesel usage, can be channelled back to the people,” he said.

Abang Johari added that the Sarawak government will continue to monitor developments related to the conflict in West Asia and its impact on the State’s economy and business sector.

He said this is to ensure the government remains prepared with proactive measures, while continuing to work with the federal government in addressing the situation.

“In facing increasingly challenging and uncertain geopolitical conditions, I call on all Sarawakians, regardless of race and religion, to remain united and resilient in overcoming these challenges together with the government.

“I am confident that we will be able to overcome this situation, just as we successfully navigated the Covid-19 pandemic several years ago,” he stressed.

Also present during the press conference were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, as well as Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily