PUTRAJAYA: The government will step up monitoring to ensure sufficient stock of essential goods for the redemption of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) one-off aid, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister, who is also the government spokesperson, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had informed that the current market supply of these goods is adequate.
"The ministry has not reported any problems regarding supply, and monitoring will be intensified to ensure there are no issues in terms of stock or availability of essential goods,” he told a post-Cabinet press conference here on Wednesday (Sept 3).
The one-off RM100 Sara aid for every Malaysian aged 18 and above, redeemable via MyKad, was rolled out on Aug 31 and can be used at more than 7,000 outlets nationwide until Dec 31.
The assistance benefits 22 million recipients with a total allocation of RM2bil.
Fahmi said the Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was also informed that RM192.4mil had been redeemed as of midnight last night through the purchase of essential goods using Sara credits.
"Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah also informed that the ministry will advise more than 7,000 outlets to remind customers to check certain matters before redeeming their Sara credits,” he said.
Fahmi dismissed criticism from certain quarters questioning the use of MyKad for redemption, stressing that the method ensures the aid is strictly utilised for the purchase of essential goods.
"This RM100 is intended to help households buy basic necessities. This is the mechanism to ensure the allocated funds serve the programme’s purpose,” he said.
Asked about system disruptions during MyKad use that forced some customers to leave items at the counter, Fahmi urged Malaysians not to rush to spend the aid, reminding them that it is valid until Dec 31.
"There is still ample time. We can plan to shop at certain times when there are fewer people, or visit nearby outlets,” he said.- Bernama
