KUCHING, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- The use of the e-wallet application SPay Global (SPay) as the medium to distribute the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) initiative ensures recipients utilise the funds strictly for essential needs, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He explained that providing assistance in the form of vouchers or cash could lead to misuse of the funds.
“We have evaluated the methods (vouchers and cash) and I see that if it is given in cash, there is a possibility the money might not be spent on rice but on other things.
“With vouchers, they could also be exchanged for cash at stores, so misuse is still possible. We want to ensure families have at least rice, which is why we opted for a digital method,” he said at a press conference after visiting the Sarawak Service Centre here today.
He added that the use of SPay also enables the state government to collect data on gross household income and monitor Sarawakians’ spending patterns.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government will mobilise administrative machinery statewide to assist in the implementation of the SKAS programme, involving Residents and District Officers, Local Authorities and Sarawak Service Centres.
When tabling the Sarawak Budget 2025 last November, Abang Johari announced SKAS as a one-off annual aid ranging from RM250 to RM800, depending on eligibility categories such as single individuals, households and senior citizens.
He also revealed that based on the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) recipient list, 886,288 people are eligible for SKAS, with a total allocation of RM464.5 million.
“Those not listed under STR but meeting eligibility criteria can apply from Feb 1 to March 31.
“Sarawakians who qualify but have not registered with SPay need not worry, as registration is open year-round,” he said, adding that the SKAS launch will take place in the Serian Division on Feb 18.
He further clarified that the aid will be credited in stages to recipients’ SPay accounts starting next month, with efforts underway to streamline SPay redemption processes over the next six months.
So far, 27 percent of eligible Sarawakians have redeemed their SKAS through the SPay application.
-- BERNAMA
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