PETALING JAYA: More than 3.9 million MyKad holders have used their cards to purchase essential goods under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme as of April.
This amounted to 72% of the total 5.4 million eligible recipients for the Sara programme within the first month of the credit disbursement, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said, based on public feedback, the government had expanded product categories under Sara to 14 to include a wider range of basic food items, personal hygiene products, medicines and school supplies.
“The expansion of the eligible product categories under Sara is a result of feedback received from the majority of recipients. The government will act accordingly to swiftly implement it.
“The government will continue to enhance the implementation of the Sara programme from time to time,” Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said in a statement on Thursday (May 1).
Starting Thursday, the Sara programme will include household cleaning products such as soap or detergent for laundry, dishes, and floors.
The number of registered retail shops or supermarkets under Sara has also reached over 3,700 nationwide this year, when compared to 700 in 2024.
The number of retail shops will be increased to ensure that more Sara-registered stores are available and closer to eligible recipients, Anwar said.
As of April 29, the states with the highest percentage of recipients who have made Sara purchases via MyKad were Sabah at 84%, followed by Perlis (82%), Kedah (80%), Labuan (79%), and Kelantan (78%).
The maximum Sara amount received per recipient was RM2,100 for 2025, compared to RM1,200 in 2024, a 75% increase from the amount received last year.
Eligible recipients can make Sara purchases throughout the year, and unused monthly credits will be carried forward to the following month until December 31.
To check their Sara eligibility status, the public can refer to the official STR portal at https://bantuantunai.hasil.
