KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid, to be distributed to 700,000 poor and hardcore poor households monthly from tomorrow, will be extended to Sabah and Sarawak this year.
In a statement today, the Finance Ministry said the government will credit RM100 under SARA into recipients’ MyKad monthly from January to March, and RM200 from April onwards.
The statement also said SARA has been increased to RM2,100 this year from RM1,200 in 2024.
“This mechanism is an improvement from last year, compared with the biannual cash distribution to SARA recipients in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan,” the ministry said.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, said SARA is a targeted aid, with part of the increase in national revenue and savings from subsidy expenditure redistributed to help those in need.
“Upholding the principles of fairness and humanitarian values that drive the Madani economic framework, this restructuring of government finances ensures that it benefits the masses. The Madani government is committed to using advanced digital technology to ensure aid distribution is done in a way that is comprehensive and easily accessed by the people,” he added.
Under SARA, beneficiaries can purchase necessities using their MyKad at 1,200 registered supermarkets and retail outlets, compared with 700 last year.
SARA recipients can use the funds to buy personal hygiene items, medicines, and school supplies, in addition to basic food items.
— Bernama
