IPOH: The RM100 Bantuan Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), which will be credited to recipients from Feb 9, is seen as a timely helping hand with buying essentials for the upcoming festivities.
Freelancer Hew Kok Yong, 66, said the assistance, while modest, would make a difference as Chinese New Year approaches.
"It can help a little, especially with festive preparations.
"I'm grateful for this, considering the current economic situation," he said when met on Tuesday (Jan 6).
Hew said he plans to use the aid to buy essential household items such as rice, cooking oil and other groceries.
"Overall, I’m happy. It’s better than nothing. Of course, it would be good if such assistance continues, but that would depend on the country’s financial situation," he added.
On Monday (Jan 5), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Sara cash aid would be credited to all adult citizens aged 18 and above from Feb 9 as preparations for Ramadan and Chinese New Year.
ALSO READ: RM100 Sara aid to be credited beginning Feb 9, says PM
Yahaya Osman, 52, who is currently unemployed, said the cash aid would be especially helpful in preparation for Ramadan.
"With this assistance, I can stock up on food items and groceries for the fasting month.
"Instead of having nothing, at least this helps to ease the burden," he said.
"I hope more aid programmes can be created to support those struggling with the rising cost of living," he added.
For construction worker Oswald Anselm, 56, the aid would go towards buying daily necessities.
"I'm not sure if I can buy schooling-related items such as stationery with Sara.
"If we can, then it will be used to buy pens and other items for my 16-year-old son," he said, while also thanking Anwar and the government for the additional RM150 Early Schooling Aid.
"However, the Sara aid will primarily be used to buy food.
"I’m thankful for the assistance, which is timely. Overall, this is a helpful move by the government," he said.
Separately, kindergarten operator Amirah Mohd Amin, 40, said the schooling aid was a welcome relief as she has two schoolgoing sons aged 11 and 12.
"With prices going up, this assistance really helps parents get school necessities such as uniforms, books and stationery, which have become quite costly," she said.
Amirah also plans to use the Sara cash aid to buy daily household goods for her children, although she hopes there will be clearer guidelines on whether or not it can be used for school-related items.
