PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups warn that Sumbangan Asas Rahmah’s (Sara) current design does not match the realities of low-income families, from irregular income cycles to the lack of fresh produce and baby essentials in the eligible list.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) said that while the government had provided a reasonable time frame for the RM100 credit to be utilised, a more flexible redemption window would better reflect how B40 households actually manage their finances.
Its chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said many lower-income families, including gig workers and daily wage earners, do not have predictable income streams and are forced to prioritise spending strictly based on immediate needs.
He added that vulnerable groups such as the elderly, rural residents and those with mobility challenges often struggled to visit participating merchants within a short period, resulting in unspent aid despite having genuine need.
“In fact, there have been elderly beneficiaries who spend only RM20 to RM30 a month, stretching the aid so it lasts longer,” he said.
For this reason, Fomca views a three-month redemption period as a “feasible and balanced” approach, arguing it would not dilute the programme’s intent but would allow for thoughtful, needs-based spending without unnecessary pressure or wastage.
Saravanan recommends a review of the eligible items list to better reflect real household necessities, particularly among families with children.
He said essential fresh produce, personal care items and baby products should be included, in line with the spending patterns of low-income groups.
He added that the merchant network should be expanded to include small retailers and cooperatives, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, through a simplified onboarding process.
“Beneficiaries should not be forced to spend on transport simply to access the aid,” he said, adding that clearer communication of rules and improved system reliability would make the next phase “more effective and user-friendly”.
Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said Sara should remain a temporary, targeted form of assistance.
He said feedback received by CAP suggests that the rush to redeem the aid within a limited window had resulted in congestion, long queues and frustration among beneficiaries.
Mohideen said the list of eligible items must be aligned with what households truly require.
