Saving money: With several festive seasons around the corner, many will be able to purchase necessities using Sara cash aid. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: Many people see the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) as a timely relief for them to buy daily necessities.
In welcoming the one-off aid which will be credited beginning Feb 9, they said it would help them with the upcoming festivity and back-to-school expenses.
Freelancer Hew Kok Yong, 66, said the assistance, while modest, would still 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 yesterday.
Hew said he plans to use the money to purchase essential household items such as rice, cooking oil and groceries.
“Overall, I’m happy. It’s better than nothing. Of course, it would be good if such assistance could continue in the future,” he added.
On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Sara cash aid would be credited to all adult citizens aged 18 and above as preparations for Ramadan and Chinese New Year.
Yahaya Osman, 52, who is currently unemployed, said the cash aid would be helpful for the upcoming Ramadan period.
“I can use it to buy some food items and groceries for the fasting month. At least this helps to ease my burden.
“I hope similar aid programmes can be created in the future to support those struggling with the rising cost of living,” he added.
Optimistic: Hew and Oswald.
For construction worker Oswald Anselm, 56, the aid would go towards purchasing daily necessities.
“I’m not sure if I can buy schooling-related items for my 16-year-old son,” he said while thanking the Prime Minister for the additional RM150 one-off early schooling aid.
“However, the Sara aid will primarily be used to buy food items.
“I’m thankful for the timely assistance,” he added.
Separately, kindergarten operator Amirah Mohd Amin, 40, said the RM150 school aid was a welcome relief as she has two school-going sons, aged 11 and 12.
“With prices rising, the aid helps parents prepare school necessities such as uniforms, books and stationery,” she said.
Amirah added that she also plans to use the Sara cash aid to purchase daily household items.
