PETALING JAYA: An additional 10,000 small retailers are targeted to be included under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme by the end of this year, particularly among community-based and neighbourhood shops, says the Finance Ministry.
“The government’s priority this year is to further expand the Sara ecosystem by increasing the participation of small retailers nationwide.
“Out of the 13,000 Sara-registered retailers, more than 5,000 are standalone grocery shops or supermarkets, including those under cooperatives,” the ministry said.
The ministry acknowledged that one of the key challenges among smaller standalone retailers is the readiness of the necessary point-of-sale (POS) systems and connectivity requirements to enable cashless Sara transactions.
“However, extensive support is provided to participating traders, including free Sara payment terminals, technical setup assistance, and training for retailers and staff before onboarding,” added the ministry.
It said these efforts are being rolled out progressively, with social media campaigns and direct engagement to raise awareness and encourage more potential retailers to join.
“Beyond supporting recipients, Sara also helps drive increased customer traffic and spending at local shops, creating a positive multiplier effect on the social and economic impact for neighbourhood businesses and local communities.
“The Sara programme remains open for registration for eligible retailers who are interested.
“Retailers may also directly reach out and submit their applications via merchant@mykasih.com.
“Eligibility criteria include being a grocery shop or supermarket that sells a sufficient range of basic food items, such as rice, milk, flour, cooking oil and canned goods.
Meanwhile, customers are requesting that smaller grocery shops be allowed to participate in the MySara retail programme.
Housewife Jennifer Lee, 65, from Cheras, said certain convenience stores are part of the Mysara programme, but it would be beneficial if more small provision stores were included.
“Some items that I prefer purchasing in certain sundry shops, like seasonings, are cheaper, but they are not included under the Sara programme. So I have to buy such items at bigger convenience stores where the price is a little higher,” said Lee.
Social media executive Nazrul Ibrahim, 38, from Petaling Jaya, said if smaller sundry shops in his neighbourhood were included in the Sara system, it would spare customers the hassle of driving to supermarkets to buy basic household items.
“Sometimes I just want to buy biscuits or yeast at my local sundry shop, but since they are not under Sara, I end up driving to the supermarket instead,” he said.
“It’s a wasted opportunity for smaller shops not to be included in the Sara programme, as many of my relatives live near these outlets, and it will be convenient for them.
“If these small shops were included under Sara, it would be much easier for customers, especially the elderly who are more familiar with their neighbourhood stores.”
Nazrul added that larger convenience stores occasionally also face system glitches, making it necessary for more small grocery shops to be included under the Sara programme.
