State Government will implement another programme for the People

19 February 2025

TUARAN: The Sabah state government will launch a new programme this year to provide further assistance to its citizens, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

He explained that this new initiative is in addition to existing programmes, including the People's Care Programme (SYUKUR), which was launched today.

"As a government that prioritises the well-being of its people, especially considering the current rising cost of living, we are committed to finding ways to support the people of this state," he stated.

The details of this new programme are expected to be announced later this year, provided that all planning proceeds smoothly, in an organised manner, and within the state's financial capacity.

"My colleagues in the State Cabinet and I are constantly exploring efforts and initiatives to help the people, particularly the poor and those experiencing extreme poverty. We will announce the details once our discussions are finalised," he added.

The Chief Minister made these remarks at the launch of SYUKUR 2025 at the Rumpun Bajau Cultural Centre in Sabah, on Wednesday.

He elaborated, "The SYUKUR programme aims to reduce the financial burden on the people and ensure their well-being. It provides eligible recipients with a monthly cash assistance of RM300, running until 31 December 2025. This programme has a total allocation of RM358.5 million and will benefit 100,000 recipients."

"As of February 2025, a total of 72,058 heads of households who are categorised as poor or extremely poor, and are registered in the eKasih system as of 31 December 2024, have begun receiving benefits from this programme.

"Of this group, 52,201 recipients have received direct payments into their bank accounts since 17 February. The remaining 19,857 recipients, who do not have bank accounts, will receive payments in stages, either through cash assistance or the opening of special accounts to facilitate these payments. These payments will be completed by March this year," he said.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government will implement a second phase of the programme in May 2025. This phase will extend the benefits to more recipients, including those listed on eKasih and those who are poor or extremely poor but were not previously included.

Hajiji expressed his hope that the programme would improve the lives of those affected and contribute to a more prosperous and inclusive society.

He added, "I want continuous efforts to be made on the ground to ensure that those eligible for assistance, but not registered in the Sabah State Database (PADANS), can lodge complaints with the Village Head or the MySMJ Profiler Officer, who are stationed in all district offices across the state.

"I hope that SYUKUR will become a continuous initiative that brings positive changes to the community, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya vision of improving the well-being of our people," he said.

Regarding the SYUKUR payments, they will be made in phases, with each phase being a "lump sum" payment covering three months. This amounts to RM900 per recipient, which will be credited to bank accounts where available, or distributed as cash assistance.

The first payment phase one (January to March 2025) began distribution in February. The second phase (April to June 2025) will be distributed from April. The third phase (July to September 2025) will commence in September 2025, and the fourth phase (October to December 2025) will be distributed in October 2025.

Recipients can check their eligibility and payment status via the PADANS System website (https://padans.sabah.gov.my/), the http://sukur.sabah.gov.my/ website, the YONO Superapp, and payment notifications (SMS).

Recipient checks for SYUKUR are available from today, 19 February 2025.