KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government will expand the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative to benefit 5.4 million recipients starting April 1, a significant increase from the current 700,000 beneficiaries.
In a statement Wednesday (March 26), the Finance Ministry said eligible recipients will receive up to RM2,100 in aid - a 75% increase from the RM1,200 provided in 2024.
"Sara is a targeted assistance approach, redistributing part of the nation's increased revenue and subsidy savings to those genuinely in need.
"The distribution of Sara via MyKad is also targeted to ensure that the intended recipients benefit from it in the form of essential goods," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, said in the statement.
He added that the expansion is part of the increased allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sara programmes, amounting to RM13bil this year - the highest in the nation's history for cash aid distribution.
Meanwhile, 4.7 million STR recipients who are not listed under the eKasih database will receive new Sara assistance starting April 1, with RM50 monthly for elderly singles and RM100 monthly for households.
Starting this year, the distribution of Sara via MyKad will be extended to Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. Previously, it was limited to Peninsular Malaysia in 2024.
"This uniform implementation method is an improvement from last year, when Sara recipients in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan received cash aid only twice a year," the statement said.
Under the SARA programme, recipients can use their MyKad to purchase selected essential goods at over 3,500 registered retail stores nationwide, a substantial increase from the 700 stores available in 2024.
Apart from basic food items, Sara credits can also be used to buy personal hygiene products, medicines, and school supplies.
For more information on Sara, visit the official STR portal at https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my and the MyKasih portal at https://www.mykasih.com.my. - Bernama
