By Fadli Ramli
KOTA KINABALU, March 31 (Bernama) -- The use of MyKad for the People's Basic Subsidy Programme (SARA) beginning this year is a timely move by the government to ensure a faster and more efficient distribution of the aid to people in Sabah, compared to the previous cash-based system.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative allows SARA recipients in Sabah to purchase essential goods at 424 selected premises without having to wait for cash disbursement, which often took time, especially for those in remote areas due to geographical challenges.
"With the use of MyKad, recipients can buy essential items at participating supermarkets and also check their available balance on their MyKad," he told Bernama.
According to him, Sabah has the highest number of SARA aid recipients, with 497,815 individuals benefiting from an allocation of RM492.63 million, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting those in need in the state.
Armizan said SARA recipients can now use their credited aid to purchase 13 categories of essential items, including personal hygiene products, medicines and school supplies, in addition to basic food items at participating outlets.
The programme will be expanded to 5.4 million recipients nationwide from April 1, with the monthly aid increased to up to RM200 per category, compared to RM100 previously.
Mariana Galim, 42, a grocery store worker from Kampung Mesilou, Kundasang, Ranau, said she and other locals previously had to endure long queues at a BSN bank in Ranau to receive the aid.
"The distance from the village isn’t far, about 20 kilometres (from Kampung Mesilou to Pekan Ranau), but the hilly, narrow roads with heavy traffic made it difficult. It could take over an hour just to get to the bank, and then we had to queue for a long time. Now, with MyKad, it’s so easy – we just use it straight away to buy essentials," she said.
She also highlighted how the variety of items covered under SARA has been a great help to her family, as she can now buy not just groceries but also school supplies for her children and medicines, easing the financial burden on her and her husband, a tour van driver.
Md Ahmadi Kusoi, 45, a farmer from Kampung Tampasuk, Kota Belud, said using MyKad for SARA not only saves time but also reduces the risk of losing cash.
"Previously, we had to wait a long time to receive cash. Now, with MyKad, buying essentials is much easier. There's no more worry about losing money or getting robbed," he said, adding that the new system is both safer and more efficient.
He noted that the SARA aid allows him to purchase other necessities for his family, particularly medicines, which he previously bought less often as he prioritised staple foods like rice.
Meanwhile, Siti Khadijah Rusli, 38, a small food vendor at Tamu Donggongon, Penampang, described SARA as a "lifesaver" for her family's expenses and business budgeting.
"Running a small business is like living hand-to-mouth – whatever profit we make is what we use for household expenses. But with SARA, our household spending is lighter, and I can reinvest the profits to buy more stock for my business," she said.
She added that the MyKad system has enabled her to buy essential items such as baby formula for her young child and school supplies for her children without worrying about having enough cash for her business.
— BERNAMA
