Latest news with #SarawakBasicNeedsAssistance
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM464.5 mln disbursed to 758,483 SKAS recipients through S Pay Global, says Premier
he said the initiative has significantly impacted the daily lives of Sarawakians. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 28): A total of RM464.5 million has been disbursed to 758,483 recipients under the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) initiative through S Pay Global, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today, he said the initiative has significantly impacted the daily lives of Sarawakians. 'This initiative not only helps reduce the cost of living, but also stimulates household spending and supports community economic growth, particularly for small traders and retail operators,' he said. He noted that SKAS, launched under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government early this year, goes beyond physical infrastructure development by focusing on the well-being of the people across all socio-economic aspects. 'The Sarawak government remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable development. Our principle is clear – no one should be left behind in the wave of progress.' Abang Johari added that SKAS has also accelerated digital adoption at the grassroots level, with village committees, youth associations and women's bureaus actively using digital platforms to manage activities, disseminate information and promote local products online. 'Previously focused mainly in urban areas, the use of S Pay Global has now expanded into rural areas, increasing the efficiency and visibility of local organisations and encouraging participation in the digital economy,' he said. He said the initiative contributed towards forming a digitally literate society capable of applying technology and adapting to the evolving digital landscape. On the education front, Abang Johari reiterated the state government's focus on human capital development, in line with Sarawak's transition towards a new economy. He said strategic discussions were held with the University of Cambridge during the state government's recent working visit to the United Kingdom to prepare Sarawakian talents for future challenges. 'As we build the foundations of the new economy, we must ensure our people are equipped with the right education and skills to be active participants, not just beneficiaries, of this economic transformation,' he said. He added that the state government's commitment includes free tertiary education starting in 2026 for deserving students, as well as for Sarawakians under 40 who wish to resume full-time studies. 'This is not just a policy. It is a promise to our industries that Sarawak will have a talented, skilled and future-ready workforce. And most importantly, a promise to ourselves that we will build a Sarawak where talent, not wealth, determines success,' he said.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak's economy stays resilient with strong sector growth, continued investments despite global risks, says Uggah
Uggah says the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak's economy remains on a strong growth path despite global uncertainties, with key sectors showing steady performance and continued investment driving development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He also said the services sector is expected to grow by 6.7 per cent in 2024, supported by tourism, with 4.8 million visitor arrivals last year and 1.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. 'Manufacturing output rose, driven by increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, though global market softening may affect demand later this year. 'The mining sector is projected to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2024, bolstered by new oil and gas developments such as the Kasawari field,' he said in his Finance and New Economy ministerial winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Apart from that, he also said agriculture posted modest growth, with oil palm yields improving despite a slight drop in crude palm oil extraction rates. While construction remains one of the fastest-growing sectors at 8.7 per cent, led by infrastructure projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'Total trade grew by 2.8 per cent in 2024, with LNG and CPO exports leading the way, though crude petroleum exports declined. 'However, early 2025 trade data shows an 11.4 per cent contraction, reflecting external market risks,' he said. Meanwhile he also said Sarawak secured RM7.6 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2024, while public development expenditure reached nearly RM15 billion. For 2025, the state has allocated RM10 billion for development, with RM5.9 billion from the federal government. Uggah also noted strong domestic consumption, boosted by the revised public service pay scheme and targeted assistance programmes like Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR). Thus the state, according to him, remains committed to sustaining economic momentum, though growth projections of 5.0 to 6.0 per cent in 2025 may be challenged by global headwinds. douglas uggah DUN sarawak economy
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Deputy Premier: 85 pct of SKAS recipients receive aid via S Pay Global
On the efforts to include eligible individuals who were left out of the original name list, Uggah said the government had allowed them to submit appeals within a specified period. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 21): A total of 758,483 out of the 886,288 eligible recipients for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) have received assistance via the S Pay Global e-wallet, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He stated that as of May 13, around 85 per cent of eligible Sarawakians have received the assistance, which covers three categories: households, singles, and senior citizens. 'Among the recipients, 94 per cent or 387,260 from the household category have received the assistance, followed by 80 per cent or 287,0458 from the single category, and 74 per cent or 114,464 from the senior citizen category,' he said. He was responding to Royston Valentine (GPS-Tellian), who raised questions about the number of SKAS recipients to date, by category and the measures in place for those without access to smartphones or the application. On the efforts to include eligible individuals who were left out of the original name list, Uggah said the government had allowed them to submit appeals within a specified period. 'We opened an appeal period from Feb 1 to March 31, 2025. 'Once their names are verified and included in the list, the assistance will be disbursed to them through the e-wallet.' He added that an additional allocation of RM100.7 million has been requested to ensure that all eligible individuals who were previously excluded will receive the assistance they are entitled to. To ensure that assistance is fully disbursed to SKAS recipients, Uggah also said the state government will continue to assist them in activating their respective S Pay Global applications. 'For any technical support related to S Pay Global, users may contact S Pay Global Customer Service via email at [email protected] or by calling 082-224599. 'They may also seek assistance at Sarawak Service Centres, District Offices, and ADUN Service Centres in their respective areas.' douglas uggah embas DUN s pay global SKAS
