Time’s ticking: Malaysians are reminded to quickly utilise the one-off RM100 Sara credit, which is set to expire on Dec 31. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Recipients have full discretion to redeem their Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and Penghargaan Sara balance at any point up to Dec 31 this year including in a single transaction, says the Finance Ministry.
Responding to concerns raised in The Star on the programmes, the ministry said the redemption window for the Sara and Penghargaan Sara credits is more flexible than perceived.
“Key criticism highlighted what is perceived as a limited window to utilise the Sara credits.
“The article quoted the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) as proposing a three-month redemption period, describing it as ‘feasible and balanced’ and suggesting it would allow recipients to plan their purchases comfortably.
“As stated in our press release on Aug 21, 2025, the RM100 Penghargaan Sara credit remains valid until Dec 31.
“The monthly Sara credits do not expire each month and unused monthly credits automatically carry forward and accumulate throughout the year,” it said in a statement yesterday.
It was reported that recipients urged for a longer redemption time frame and a major expansion of the essential goods allowed under the programmes to strengthen its impact.
The ministry said the concerns raised by recipients and consumer groups regarding the implementation might stem from a lack of understanding.
It clarified that Penghargaan Sara and Sara are two separate programmes with similar mechanisms.
“Under Penghargaan Sara, all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 from Aug 31 to Dec 31, 2025.
“Sara is an extension of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme, which is a targeted assistance programme for people affected by the rise in cost of living.
“The STR 2025 recipients who have been verified in the eKasih database and are eligible for Sara 2025 will get RM50 to RM200 per month for a period of 12 months (January to December 2025).
“All STR 2025 recipients in the household and senior citizens without a partner categories receive RM100/RM50 per month for a period of nine months (April to December 2025),” it said.
Touching on The Star’s article where NGOs said the aid scheme framework does not reflect B40 realities, the Finance Ministry said recommendations have been implemented.
“Many of these recommendations are in place.
“Personal hygiene products including those for toddlers are one of the 14 approved categories under Sara.
“This category covers toothpaste, sanitary pads, soaps and shower gels and disposable diapers.
“Baby formula is included under the beverage category,” it said.
The ministry said participating retailers have complied with their request to clearly display the Sara logo on shelves to identify approved products.
“Since Sara’s launch in 2023, the Madani Government has consistently expanded the programme’s reach (from 210,000 at launch to 5.4 million in 2025) to the scale of allocations, the breadth of eligible stock-keeping units and the network of participating merchants.
“The number of registered retailers has grown from 424 outlets in 2023 to over 8,000 as of Dec 7, 2025, including standalone sundry shops and mini markets.”
The ministry said nationwide outreach tours have been conducted to ensure that rural communities can access participating brands without travelling long distances.
“The monthly Sara programme complements the STR cash assistance.
“For essential goods not included under the Sara categories, recipients may utilise their STR cash aid at their discretion, ensuring that no household is restricted in meeting broader daily needs,” it said.
