PETALING JAYA: Despite being behind bars, eligible inmates are still entitled to the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid.
With help from the Prisons Department, tens of thousands of prisoners are smiling after redeeming the aid for essential items in a special programme last month.
Prisons Department director-general Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak said the Prisons Department Cooperative (Kopen) was appointed to acquire, prepare, supply and distribute the essential items commonly used by prisoners.
“Such an arrangement enabled the department to monitor all aspects of the programme, from procurement to distribution, more efficiently, ensuring the aid was channelled directly and fairly to the inmates,” he said.
He added that 42,665 of the 67,934 Malaysians in prisons nationwide had participated in the programme and received food, clothes, toiletries and other supplies worth RM100.
The remaining inmates, he noted, had either redeemed the aid before being sent to prison or had discrepancies in their identification documents.
Abdul Aziz said prior to the programme being rolled out, several rounds of discussions were held with the Finance Ministry to work out a feasible plan.
He said efforts were taken to ensure eligible inmates benefited from the one-off assistance just as other Malaysians.
“What sets this year’s Sara programme apart is the government’s decision to widen and extend the aid to prison inmates.
“It demonstrates the government’s commitment to fairness and the spirit of compassion, reflecting a more inclusive and socially just approach to distributing welfare assistance.
“The initiative offered a ray of hope to inmates and reflects the government’s concern for those undergoing correctional processes.
“It goes to show that no segment of society should be forgotten simply because they are serving a jail sentence,” he added.
Abdul Aziz said the inclusion of inmates in the programme also helped reduce their dependence on family members who may be experiencing financial difficulties.
“Many families struggle to support their loved ones in prison. With the Sara aid, inmates can get some of their basic needs without relying solely on funds sent by relatives. This eases the emotional and financial burden on their families,” he said.
To ensure the aid redemption was carried out smoothly with their MyKad, the Finance Ministry provided Sara terminals to all prisons for the transactions.
“Rehabilitation is not only about discipline and order. It is also about humanity, fairness and giving people the chance to rebuild their lives. Programmes such as Sara remind inmates that the system has not given up on them,” he said.
The Sara aid is part of government efforts to ease the rising cost of living. The channelling of the one-off aid for 22 million eligible Malaysians began on Aug 31.
