PUTRAJAYA: Payments for Phase 1 of the Rahmah Cash Donation (STR) will be disbursed in stages starting on Wednesday (Jan 22), according to the Finance Ministry.
A statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday (Jan 21) stated that the payments will be credited to the bank accounts of registered recipients or provided in cash through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) in stages according to the respective STR qualification categories.
The ministry noted that STR 2025 involves an allocation of RM2.3bil compared to RM2.1bil last year.
The 2025 STR and the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) 2025 will benefit nearly nine million recipients, or 60% of the adult population in Malaysia.
"For STR and Sara 2025, the government has increased the maximum rate for households to RM4,600, which is an increase of almost 25% compared to RM3,700 last year.
"The minimum rate for singles has also increased to RM600 from RM500 last year, marking a 20% increase," according to the Finance Ministry.
In the same statement, the Finance Ministry stated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, said the increased allocation for STR Phase 1, which far exceeds the national inflation rate, reflects the government's determination to ensure the welfare of a large number of people in the country improves, despite the increase in the cost of living.
"Although the increase in the cost of living is a phenomenon affecting the whole world, the Madani government hopes that the increase in Sara and STR contributions every year will help the people achieve a better life," said Anwar.
Applications for STR are open throughout the year, and applicants whose names are not in the STR database need to apply on the official STR portal at https://bantuantunnai.hasil.gov.my.
The Finance Ministry also advises the public to be wary of unauthentic links by irresponsible parties. - Bernama
