KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM3.66bil has been spent by 98% of monthly recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid across the country to purchase basic necessities using their MyKad up until Monday (Nov 3).
Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that during the same period, 100 percent of the aid recipients in the states of Perlis, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah made purchases of basic necessities through Sara.
"For the one-off SARA Appreciation recipients of RM100, more than 18.3 million people or 83% have successfully benefited, involving a total cost of RM1.69bil.
"The government will continue to ensure that the additional revenue savings obtained following the implementation of the national fiscal reform must be returned to the people, including within the scope of easing the cost of living," he said when winding up debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 at the policy level for the Finance Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 4).
Amir Hamzah said the government constantly ensures that the Sara benefit is not only for aid recipients but also supports small traders, private sundry shops, and cooperative stores.
He noted that as of Nov 3, the initiative has successfully involved over 8,700 SARA Partner Retailers, including approximately 2,500 small sundry shops nationwide.
"This is a significant increase compared to 700 Sara Partner Retailers, including 180 small sundry shops, last year. Among the cooperatives that have become SARA Partner Retailers are Coop Mart, Koperasi Penjara Berhad, Koperasi FELCRA, and Koperasi FELDA Sungai Koyan 2," he said. - Bernama
