SARA CONTINUES TO EASE PEOPLE'S LIVING COSTS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- The expansion of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, which took effect on Tuesday as part of the MADANI Government’s efforts to ease the cost of living, has positively impacted low- and middle-income groups.

Many SARA recipients have expressed gratitude and appreciation to the MADANI Government for increasing the assistance amount to RM2,100 for poor and hardcore poor households registered under eKasih, compared to RM1,200 last year.

SARA aid of RM100 per month was credited to recipients' MyKad from January to March this year, with the amount increased to RM200 per month starting April 1. This expansion benefits 5.4 million recipients, nearly eight times more than the 700,000 beneficiaries previously covered.

In PERLIS, housewife Hawa Razak, 45, said the increase in SARA assistance helps lighten the financial burden on her self-employed husband, making it easier to meet their family's monthly needs.

"I have four children. With just RM100 before, I had to prioritise essential items. But now, with RM200, I have an extra RM100 to buy other necessities," she said.

In JOHOR, Masnah Shamsudin, 68, said the increased assistance amount is appropriate given the current economic conditions, allowing her to use SARA to buy medicine in addition to essential goods.

"Prices fluctuate, and I rely solely on my husband's pension. With this aid, I no longer have to worry about groceries and medication, and I can save the money my husband gives me," she said.

In KELANTAN, housewife Rosmarini Abdul Rahman, 44, describes the initiative as proof of the government's commitment to ensuring the people's well-being.

In PERAK, new SARA recipient Intan Suraya Mohd Noordin, 50, said the initiative allows her to save half of her usual monthly spending on household essentials.

Meanwhile, former nurse Zaitun Abdul Rahim, 63, said the direct crediting of aid into MyKad also makes cashless transactions more convenient.

Starting this year, SARA disbursement via MyKad has been expanded to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, after previously covering only Peninsular Malaysia in 2024.

Expressing gratitude for the programme’s expansion, housewife Laila Simbun, 46, from Tuaran, SABAH hopes the relevant authorities, including village leaders, will identify eligible recipients to ensure that no one is left out from benefiting from the aid.

In SARAWAK, new recipient Andrew Sibat, 33, said SARA eases his financial burden by helping him purchase essential items and school supplies.

"I previously received the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and thought that was the only assistance available. I can't express how grateful I am to receive this additional support," said Andrew, who is self-employed.

-- BERNAMA