MADANI GOVT'S SARA AID A 'LIFESAVER' FOR PEOPLE TO EASE COST OF LIVING EXPENSES

KOTA BHARU, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid by the MADANI Government has proven to be a "lifesaver" for the people, helping them cover daily necessities amidst the uncertain rise in the cost of living.

Private sector employee Siti Nabilah Abdul Basir, 32, said the aid allows her to purchase daily essentials, subsequently saving on her monthly budget.

"Usually, I allocate around RM200 a month for daily needs, including soap and other basic items. However, with the SARA aid, my monthly expenses have been significantly reduced.

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"Additionally, the MyKasih stickers on selected eligible items simplify the selection and purchasing process, making supermarket trips smoother and easier," she told Bernama here today.

Meanwhile, senior citizen Ainy Md Yunos, 73, said that the cashless payment method using the MyKad (identification card) facilitates the purchase of necessities at selected stores and supermarkets.

"This aid not only reduces the cost of basic necessities but the implementation method using MyKad simplifies the process and reduces the risk of misappropriation (leakage).

"I hope such aid can be continued in the future, and that the amount of assistance or the range of items provided can be expanded further," she said.

Previously, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan informed that Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, and the Federal Territory of Labuan recorded a SARA utilisation rate nearing 100 percent.

He stated that the government has not encountered major challenges in the implementation of SARA so far, even though it involves a massive volume of over 20 million transactions.

-- BERNAMA