SARA EXPANSION BRINGS RELIEF TO STRUGGLING FAMILIES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- The expansion of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, which will reach 5.4 million recipients starting April 1, offers crucial support to Malaysia’s B40 group as they grapple with rising living costs.

Previously distributed twice a year, SARA cash aid will now be credited monthly into recipients’ MyKad accounts, to be used for essential goods until Dec 31. The programme’s increase in financial assistance has been welcomed by many.

In SELANGOR, 58-year-old single mother Kamsiah Mat Ali who supports two children in university, described the expanded aid as a lifesaver.

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"I’ve used the money for necessities like rice, sardines, soap and toothpaste. Now, with the increase, I can buy more essentials and save for my children’s education," she said.

Similarly, in KEDAH, 44-year-old self-employed Osman Saad of Ayer Hitam expressed gratitude for the government’s recognition of the struggles faced by the working class.

"It’s been incredibly helpful, especially since I’m an odd job worker and live on a modest income," he said.

Nor Asmawati Shamsudin, 32, a food stall worker from Gurun also voiced her appreciation, noting that while the amount may seem small to some, it makes a significant difference to her family’s daily expenses.

The Finance Ministry confirmed that eligible recipients will now receive up to RM2,100, a 75 per cent increase from RM1,200 last year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, explained that the programme is a targeted approach, redistributing part of the nation’s increased revenue and savings from subsidies to those most in need.

To ensure the aid is spent on essentials, SARA will be distributed via MyKad.

In SARAWAK, academician Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan, a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, commended the system, calling it an effective way to prevent misuse.

More than 1,200 registered retail stores nationwide will accept MyKad payments for selected goods, a sharp increase from the 700 stores in 2024.

-- BERNAMA