The distribution of Sabah’s RM300 monthly cash aid under the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat 2025 program will begin in phases this February.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the initiative, coordinated by the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat, aims to benefit approximately 100,000 individuals aged 18 and above across the state.
“This program is designed to ease the financial burden of the poor and hardcore poor, particularly during major celebrations in the state,” Hajiji said after chairing the first Sabah cabinet meeting of 2025 in Kota Kinabalu, Wednesday.
The state government has allocated RM358.5 million in the 2025 budget to provide the monthly assistance. The initiative is aimed at alleviating financial pressures and addressing rising living costs among vulnerable families in Sabah.
On another development, Hajiji also highlighted the importance of expediting approved development projects and called on department heads to ensure their smooth implementation.
“All department heads, including those under the Chief Minister’s Department, other ministries, and district offices, must closely monitor the progress of projects,” he said.
He urged state officials to act with integrity and ensure that projects for the people are completed on time, instructing department heads to intervene in cases where projects risk becoming delayed or abandoned.
The Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat 2025 program and development focus reflect the state government’s commitment to addressing poverty and driving progress in Sabah. – January 22, 2025.
