SIBU: To overcome the technical challenges faced by applicants for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Scheme (SKAS), S Pay Global will dispatch a special technical team to major towns in Sarawak, including Sibu.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said this proactive move is aimed at streamlining the application process while also reducing the pressure felt by applicants.
“This initiative will be taken following the unusual congestion at the Sibu Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), which is the focus of applicants from surrounding areas such as Kanowit, Julau and Kapit.
“The main problem is at the account verification stage via Sarawak ID, especially when the applicant’s photo does not match the photo on the MyKad.
“This process takes between 15 and 30 minutes for each application, causing major delays,” explained Tiang at a press conference after officiating at the Community Mental Health Literary at the premises of Methodist Masland Church here, Tuesday (Jan 7)).
The Pelawan assemblyman also revealed that UTC Sibu is only able to process 100 applications a day – 50 in the morning and the rest in the afternoon – thus limiting the application processing capacity.
According to him, the situation became more complicated when some S Pay Global users faced account lockout issues due to forgetting their passwords.
The absence of a technical team on site, he said, further complicated the situation, as UTC staff could only deal with them via email or helpline calls.
“With the presence of this technical team, the problem-solving process can be expedited, thus easing the burden on UTC staff and improving the applicant experience.”
In an effort to reduce congestion, Tiang advised applicants from rural areas to seek assistance at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Service Centres located throughout the state, including its office at the SUPP Pelawan Service Centre.
“There is no need to rush to UTC Sibu because SKAS applications are open all year round. If the application is rejected or encounters technical problems, applicants can also submit an appeal.
“The SKAS programme, which is a one-time annual assistance, is expected to begin disbursing funds to recipients starting Feb 18, 2025.”
Tiang reminded applicants that they still have enough time to complete the application process without having to rush.
This measure, he asserted, not only resolves technical problems, but also ensures that much-needed assistance can be channeled more efficiently and effectively.
“This initiative is seen as the state government’s commitment to simplifying the assistance process for Sarawakians, especially those in need.”
