KUALA LUMPUR: RM150mil from the one-off 2025 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) allocation that was left unclaimed by eligible recipients as of Dec 31 has been channelled to vulnerable groups, says Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said that for last year’s one-off Sara assistance, 96% of the approximately 21 million recipients recorded transactions in the local market amounting to more than RM2.05bil.
"The remaining 4%, or RM150mil, that was not spent will be redistributed to four groups," he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 5).
He said the funds would be allocated to residents of domestic violence shelters under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry; students with disabilities and special needs under the Education Ministry; the purchase of medical devices for poor patients under the Health Ministry; and the establishment of student kitchen food banks under the Higher Education Ministry, with a specific allocation of RM15mil.
"This redistribution of funds not only ensures continuity in public financial management but also strengthens the country’s social safety net," he said.
Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) had asked the Finance Ministry to state the total allocation for the Sara programme channelled through the MyKasih system last year; the actual value of transactions generated in the domestic market; the status of unspent assistance after the Dec 31 deadline; and improvement plans for this year.
He said the focus on vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic violence, persons with disabilities and the poor reflects the government’s commitment to the principles of social justice and humanity.
He added that the move also demonstrates the government’s ability to manage public funds in a flexible and responsive manner in addressing current needs.
"It also reflects a more targeted and inclusive approach by the government in tackling social welfare issues," he said.
Amir Hamzah said eligibility checks can be made from today via the Sara portal at https://sara.gov.my, adding that applications will be processed within two weeks after complete documentation is received.
In a related development, he said the ministry is considering allowing frozen food as a new category that can be redeemed using Sara.
"We continue to make improvements, including expanding the number of eligible product categories to 14 last year from 10 in 2024.
"As for fresh produce, the government is still conducting further studies to ensure that quality, food safety and consumer assurance aspects are preserved before any decision is finalised," he added.
