BELURAN: Sabah has shown a high rate of MyKad usage for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, with 94% of recipients making purchases on registered premises.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said there are 506,000 Sara recipients with RM500mil approved annually.
“Currently, there are almost 4,000 registered grocery shops and supermarkets in the country compared to 700 in 2024.
“In Sabah alone, there are over 430 registered premises, and this number will increase to ensure better access in all areas,” she stated in a press release yesterday.
She also said that the government is enhancing the range of basic necessities permitted in the programme by expanding the current 14 categories to include household items such as soap, detergent, and floor cleaners, effective May 1.
On her working visit to Beluran with Finance Ministry officers, Lim said it was part of their commitment.
“The main focus of the visit is to check out the implementation of the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) in addition to Sara and to directly interact with recipients, as the programme allows the government the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the aid and to obtain feedback from recipients, especially from the interior of Sabah.
“In Malaysia, there are 566,000 STR recipients without bank accounts; in Sabah, 62,000 out of 830,000 STR recipients do not have bank accounts.
“Today (Monday), almost 400 recipients in Beluran without bank accounts showed up for the STR cash payment programme,” she added, Bernama reported.
Lim also shared that RM410mil has been channelled for Phase One and Two of STR payments in Sabah, with two more STR payments to be made in August and November.
“As such, a mobile Bank Simpanan Nasional branch has been initiated to offer banking services, including deposits, withdrawals and financial advice, to rural residents in Beluran at their doorstep.”
