PUTRAJAYA: A total of RM192.5mil has been redeemed by Malaysians using the RM100 one-off Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) credit as of Tuesday (Sept 2) night.
Communications Minister and Unity Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said more people are expected to use up their Sara credits in the coming days.
He also addressed issues raised by the public and MPs regarding the RM100 Sara, including the use of the MyKad and premises available for the redemption of the Sara items.
"The Sara is aimed at providing basic necessities and addressing the cost-of-living issue. The RM100 credit is to redeem basic household items and the mechanism used is to ensure it serves its purpose.
"There were some who tried to raise racial issues, but there are 7,300 premises providing the redemption services for 22 million Malaysians. Some shops are hyperlocal, some are bumiputera-owned, and some are international supermarkets; as such, this view (racial) is inaccurate," he told the press after the weekly post-Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday (Sept 3).
On Sept 2, the Finance Ministry stated that more than 1.1 million transactions worth RM75.3 million in sales were transacted as of 10.30pm, compared with RM50 million on its first day (Aug 31).
The RM100 Sara credit remains valid until Dec 31, 2025, and can be used at more than 7,300 registered retail outlets nationwide.
