SERIAN (Feb 18): A total of 564,099 eligible recipients have registered for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) through the S Pay Global mobile app.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the Sarawak government has set a target of reaching 886,288 recipients eligible for the assistance, based on data from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
“I’ve received feedback from the vendors, and they are excited and supportive of using the digital wallet as it eliminates cash transactions.
“The payments go directly into their accounts, and they can track them via the digital wallet.
“It seems that the public is embracing our approach,” he said in a press conference held after launching the SKAS at Serian Conference Centre here today.
Earlier, Abang Johari and his entourage visited the Serian Market and a local supermarket to observe first-hand how purchases were made using S Pay Global.
Adding on, Abang Johari said the SKAS initiative meant to ease the financial burden off the people, especially those in the B40 (low-income) and the lower-end M40 (middle-income) groups, amidst rising living costs.
“Our approach to providing assistance is through digital transactions, with grocery stores registered under S Pay Global.
“Recipients will register for S Pay Global through our programme, which is designed to help them use the application effectively.”
Abang Johari also explained that the application would make it easier for the SKAS recipients to purchase items such as rice, cooking oil and other necessities.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; and Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
