GRS-PH Plus Government Cares for and Prioritises the Welfare of the People

22 February 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) programme is an initiative by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus government aimed at alleviating the burden on the people for their welfare.

The Chairman of the Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Party for the Likas division, Mohammad Bahrin Abd Karim, stated that SYUKUR is a government programme providing financial assistance of RM300 per month to eligible recipients until 31 December 2025.

He mentioned that the initiative, launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, is designed to help ease the financial burden on recipients in meeting their basic needs, particularly for those in extreme poverty.

"This demonstrates the state government's concern and sensitivity towards the welfare of the people of Sabah. SYUKUR is highly anticipated by the community, especially among low-income and extremely poor households," he said in a statement today.

During the launch of SYUKUR in Tuaran, Hajiji announced that the state government will implement another new programme this year to further alleviate the burden on the people.

He stated that this new initiative would complement several programmes already in place, including SYUKUR, which was launched yesterday.

“As a government that is always concerned and caring for the people, especially given the rising cost of living, we need to think of ways to support the people in this state.

This programme is expected to be announced this year, provided all planning proceeds smoothly and within the state’s financial capabilities.

Meanwhile, Mohd Bahrin noted that in addition to SYUKUR, the state government under Hajiji's leadership has implemented many initiatives to assist people from various backgrounds in the state, including the youth.

He listed some of these initiatives, such as the one-off Cash Assistance for Higher Education Registration (BUDI), Computer Welfare Assistance (BAIK), Special Examination Assistance (BAKTI), State Education Savings Welfare Assistance (BISTARI), Sabah Education Excellence Award (AKSA), PTA Activity Assistance (BAGUS), Sabah School Welfare Assistance (BISBAH), and Special Education Programme Assistance (BANTU).

According to him, the state government will also construct 3,000 SMJ Houses across 73 State Assembly (DUN) areas at a cost of RM250 million.

He added that, reflecting the government's concern, public and private higher education students in the state will receive a one-off subsidy of RM300.

"This assistance is intended to enable higher education students to return to their villages during the festive season or semester breaks using air or bus transport," he said.

The Sabah government has allocated RM10 million in flight ticket subsidies for all students from the state studying at public higher education institutions (IPTA) in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Labuan.

Additionally, he stated that the Sabah government has also set aside RM10 million for flight ticket subsidies for students from the state studying at public higher education institutions (IPTA) in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Labuan.

Mohd Bahrin explained that each programme and initiative introduced by the government requires time to yield results and demonstrate their impact.

He said this includes development planning for the people, particularly involving foreign investors who will build factories and heavy industries in Sabah.

"Foreign investors must adhere to the laws enforced by the government, including approval of Development Plans, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), land survey work, manufacturing licences, and other approvals involving various government departments and agencies before a factory can be established.

"Surely all these processes will take some time. What is important is the commitment and confidence of serious foreign investors wanting to invest in Sabah," he emphasised.