PUTRAJAYA: Frozen food is now included as part of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the decision was made following public requests for the list of basic items to be extended to cover frozen food.
The latest phase of Sara will also include more than 10,000 stores nationwide by the end of the year, he added.
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Anwar said the programme’s accessibility will be improved by reducing the coverage distance to participating Sara outlets to within 7km, compared with 10km currently.
“Previously, there were issues as Sara purchases could only be made at large stores.
“Now, purchases can be made at these 10,000 grocery shops across the country,” he said at the National Unity Ministry’s monthly assembly.
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A total of 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and above received RM100 credited to their respective MyKads under the programme.
The one-off RM100 assistance is valid until Dec 31.
Anwar said the Sara aid was funded through savings from the government’s fiscal reforms.
“This is the outcome of fiscal reform that has generated savings, and those savings can be redistributed for the benefit of all Malaysians,” he said.
“It is not possible to provide all this government aid without a strong and healthy economy. Everything is connected. It stems from political stability and a focus on economic activities,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the assistance is given on an individual basis, not by the household.
“For example, a husband and wife with two adult children will receive RM400,” he said.
He hopes the assistance will be used prudently, especially as Malaysians prepare for Chinese New Year and as Muslims begin the fasting month of Ramadan.
