MIRI: The Sarawak government’s Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Contribution (SKAS) initiative, aimed at providing essential financial aid to eligible groups, is making significant progress, says Deputy Health Minister and Sibuti MP Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
Speaking at the Miri Melanau Association and New Year gathering last night (Jan 4), Lukanisman highlighted the benefits of SKAS, which is distributed through the SPay e-wallet.
“The initiative is a sincere effort by the Sarawak government, providing RM800 to eligible groups at no cost,” he said.
The SKAS programme, which complements federal initiatives such as the ‘Rahmah’ cash contribution scheme, is designed to ensure basic needs are met for Sarawak’s underprivileged communities.
Lukanisman assured that recipients of federal aid would automatically qualify for SKAS, and applications or appeals could be made until Feb 1.
“We acknowledge there may be challenges in the registration process, but it is not wrong for us to try. This programme reflects the government’s dedication to supporting its people,” he added.
“This is the government’s way of sharing its resources and improving livelihoods,” Lukanisman emphasised.
The gathering also saw pledges of support for the Melanau community, with Lukanisman committing RM10,000 to the Persatuan Melanau Miri. Lambir assemblyman Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, though absent, pledged an additional RM10,000.
Over 200 members of the association attended the festive event, underscoring the strong community spirit.
