Sabah Allocates RM339.16 Mln For Syukur Programme This Year - Hajiji

TUARAN, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government will continue the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) programme this year with an allocation of RM339.16 million under its poverty eradication agenda.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the SYUKUR programme has been restructured to RM200 per month this year to complement the Federal government's initiatives, namely Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, as well as other financial assistance.

"The restructuring of the SYUKUR programme allows for the number of recipients to expand from 100,000 last year to 140,000 this year, ensuring that more Sabahans benefit from government aid," he said when speaking at the Tuaran SYUKUR Outreach programme here today.

He said the SYUKUR payout would be disbursed in phases, with each phase paid as a lump sum of RM600 for a three-month period, either credited directly to recipients' accounts or distributed in cash.

Hajiji said the first phase of the SYUKUR programme began rolling out to eligible recipients on March 11, while the second phase of online payments started being credited into recipients' accounts on May 23.

"I am pleased to inform you that the first distribution of the second-phase SYUKUR payment in cash will open from June 18 to 23 to eligible recipients across Sabah, involving 17,848 recipients.

"This payment involves a lump-sum assistance of RM600 for the period from April to June 2026. I hope the aid will be used wisely to meet basic family needs, children's education, and daily expenses that are increasingly challenging," he said.

Commenting on the outreach programme, Hajiji said it is crucial for the government to engage with the grassroots, understand their challenges, and ensure all forms of government aid and initiatives reach those in need.

-- BERNAMA