Tag: SARA

Government to increase SARA rates in the near future – PM Anwar

Government to increase SARA rates in the near future - PM Anwar

SEREMBAN, July 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will increase the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) in the near future as part of its continued efforts to ease the rising cost of living faced by Malaysians. Speaking at the Kekal Harapan Tour campaign in Senawang ahead of the Negeri Sembilan […]

SARA Allocation Increased to RM15 Billion in 2026 – Deputy Finance Minister

SARA Allocation Increased to RM15 Billion in 2026 - Deputy Finance Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 – The government has strengthened the implementation of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme to ensure targeted assistance reaches those who need it most, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong told the Dewan Negara on Tuesday. Responding to a question in the upper house, Liew said the combined allocation for the […]

SARA Achieves 99% Utilisation, Easing Cost-of-Living Pressure on Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – The Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, SARA) programme continues to benefit Malaysians, recording an almost 99% utilisation rate, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted assistance in easing the burden of rising living costs. The high usage rate highlights strong public acceptance of the initiative, particularly in helping recipients meet their daily essential needs. Besides providing support to vulnerable groups, the implementation of SARA has also contributed to the local economy by encouraging spending at participating businesses. The government said the achievement demonstrates that targeted assistance can ensure allocations are delivered more effectively to those who need them most. SARA is among the government’s initiatives under its people’s welfare agenda to address cost-of-living challenges while strengthening the country’s social protection network. -- MINUTESMY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – The Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, SARA) programme continues to benefit Malaysians, recording an almost 99% utilisation rate, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted assistance in easing the burden of rising living costs. The high usage rate highlights strong public acceptance of the initiative, particularly in helping recipients meet their […]

SARA expanded, more than 13,500 shops registered nationwide – Amir Hamzah

KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 23 -- The government is expanding the implementation of the Basic Rahmah Donation Programme (SARA) by adding more shops that accept transactions using MyKad, including in rural and interior areas, to make it easier for recipients to obtain essential goods. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that to date, more than 13,500 shops have been registered under the programme nationwide, including more than 6,500 small shops. "Our efforts are to increase these small shops to 10,000 nationwide. In Sabah, we have seen an increase in shops registered under SARA, up to now there are 1,493 shops that can redeem SARA." "Not only in big cities, but also in villages and rural areas because our efforts are to please the people who are eligible to receive SARA," he told reporters after inspecting the implementation of the programme in Manggatal Baru here today. He said the use of MyKad as a medium for distributing aid allows eligible recipients to redeem essential goods directly at participating stores. According to him, apart from helping those in need, the program also benefits local entrepreneurs when their products are marketed through the SARA store network. "If we make the goods SARA, they will sell more and sell better. That is what we are trying to do, not only to provide assistance, but also to help boost local entrepreneurs," he said. Amir Hamzah said more than 150,000 types of products can now be purchased through the SARA program nationwide and the government will continue to increase the number of products and the participation of local entrepreneurs. Regarding efforts to expand the participation of small shops, he said the government was looking into methods to reduce the cost of participation, including providing a simpler and more affordable point of sale (POS) system. "We also want to make it easier for small shops because sometimes, if we look at this shop, the shop is already big enough to have its own payment system. "But when we go to small shops, sometimes that is not available. So in our efforts, we will also find a way where we also provide POS systems for small shops to make it easier for them to come in," he said. Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the government is always evaluating the possibility of increasing the selection of goods that can be purchased through SARA. He said the government had previously added several product categories including frozen items such as meat and chicken, but wet items had not been included at this time to ensure that aspects of quality control and assurance could be maintained. "Wet goods have not yet been included because one of the criteria we have to ensure is the quality of the goods purchased," he said. Regarding the possibility of increasing aid rates in the future, he said the government would continue to focus on a targeted aid approach and efforts to increase national revenue, while at the same time reducing leakages. "The more we reduce leakage, the more space we have, we can look at ways to increase it when we have results," he said. -- BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, JUNE 23 — The government is expanding the implementation of the Basic Rahmah Donation Programme (SARA) by adding more shops that accept transactions using MyKad, including in rural and interior areas, to make it easier for recipients to obtain essential goods. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that to date, […]

Government Strengthens Readiness to Tackle Pressure of Cost of Living

PUTRAJAYA, 3 APRIL -- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that the government will take firm action against any parties attempting to exploit the current global uncertainty by unreasonably increasing prices of goods. Speaking after chairing the 17th Executive Committee Meeting of the National Livelihood Action Council (NACCOL), Zahid said the world is currently facing heightened instability, with the conflict in West Asia beginning to disrupt the global energy supply chain and impact daily life. He emphasized that the government’s primary focus remains on protecting citizens from the growing economic pressures. “The interest of the people will always be our priority. We will not compromise with any party that takes advantage of the situation,” he said, adding that strict enforcement measures will be implemented against offenders. As part of immediate actions, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid announced that NACCOL will convene regularly during this critical period to ensure that emerging issues are addressed swiftly and effectively. He also highlighted the government’s significant financial commitment for 2026, with RM54.7 billion allocated for social assistance, subsidies, and income enhancement initiatives. Currently, more than 13.7 million Malaysians benefit from various programmes, including STR, SARA, and the Rahmah Sales Programme. Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that assistance reaches those in need, while maintaining the welfare of the rakyat despite ongoing global challenges. “Insya-Allah, the Government will continue to stand with the people and safeguard their wellbeing under all circumstances,” he said. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi

PUTRAJAYA, 3 APRIL — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that the government will take firm action against any parties attempting to exploit the current global uncertainty by unreasonably increasing prices of goods. Speaking after chairing the 17th Executive Committee Meeting of the National Livelihood Action Council (NACCOL), Zahid said the world is […]