IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that the government may increase the allocation for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash assistance programme if the country’s economic situation allows.
Anwar said he had discussed the matter with Treasury officials on Saturday to explore the possibility of providing additional assistance to the people.
“I called the Treasury leadership to discuss whether we could increase Sara further,” he said during his speech at the Madani Kita event organised by the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) held at the Taman Perpaduan community hall here today.
He said the government understood that while measures such as the reduction in fuel prices had helped ease the burden on the people, the rising cost of goods remained a challenge.
“For example, we import onions from India because we do not produce enough locally. When there are supply issues, prices increase. These are matters we need to address,” he said.
Anwar said the government would continue looking for ways to assist the people, including expanding the Jualan Rahmah initiative to help lower living costs.
“Recently, I announced that we may increase Jualan Rahmah initiatives, including in Perak, to help reduce the cost of living,” he said.
He added that allocations would be reviewed during the preparation of the Budget, with priority given to measures that directly benefit the people.
Anwar also said the government allocated RM3mil this year for the welfare of Rela members.
“This is not because they requested it, there was no formal application or letter. When I discussed this with the Home Minister last year, he agreed that we needed to look into their welfare because they are like the nation’s extended security force, helping the government and the people.
"So, I have instructed the Director-General to speed up the process and to identify homes that need repairs and carry out the improvements,” he said.
Anwar said they were not building mansions or luxurious houses.
“We are just repairing what is necessary, perhaps providing RM5,000 for basic repairs according to the Director-General’s discretion,” he said.
