KUALA LUMPUR – The government has announced an expansion of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, increasing the number of recipients to 5.4 million from April 1—nearly eight times more than the existing 700,000 beneficiaries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister said eligible recipients will receive up to RM2,100 in aid, marking a 75% increase from the RM1,200 provided in 2024.
“SARA is a targeted assistance approach, with part of the country’s additional revenue and savings from subsidy expenditure redistributed to help those who truly need it.
“The disbursement of SARA via MyKad is also targeted, as this method ensures that the intended recipients benefit from it in the form of essential goods,” he said in a statement.
He added that the expansion is part of an increase in the allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and SARA programmes to RM13 billion this year—the highest amount ever allocated for direct cash assistance by the government.
Aid extended to more regions, more recipients covered
Meanwhile, 4.7 million STR recipients who are not listed under eKasih will receive new SARA assistance, with RM50 per month for elderly individuals without spouses and RM100 per month for households, starting from April 1.
From this year, the distribution of SARA via MyKad will be extended to Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, having previously only covered Peninsular Malaysia in 2024.
“This standardised implementation method is an improvement from last year, compared to the previous practice of disbursing cash assistance twice a year to SARA recipients residing in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan,” the statement said.
Under the SARA programme, recipients can purchase selected essential goods using their MyKad at registered retail stores, which now number over 3,500 nationwide, up from 700 in 2024.
In addition to basic food items, SARA credits can also be used to buy personal hygiene products, medicines, and school supplies.
Further details on the SARA implementation can be accessed via the official STR portal at https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my and the MyKasih portal at https://www.mykasih.com.my. – March 26, 2025