KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians who do not need the RM100 cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme should be allowed to opt out and let the funds support those in greater need, says MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
Calling for a voluntary return mechanism, Wee said the money could be redirected to two pressing areas: reducing elective surgery backlogs in public hospitals and funding scholarships for high-achieving students.
He specifically proposed channelling the funds to end the controversial Rakan KKM scheme, which allows patients to pay for faster treatment, arguing that public funds should instead benefit those who cannot afford to jump the queue.
“The funds collected can be used to end the Rakan KKM scheme, which is biased and only benefits patients who can afford to pay more to jump the queue,” he said.
“Instead, use it to expedite treatment for the 15,000 patients waiting up to 21 months in public hospitals.”
The Ayer Hitam MP also attached an infographic highlighting public hospitals’ long waiting times for different types of surgery. This includes heart and lung surgeries, which could take up to seven months for adults, and 21 months for children. Meanwhile, the waiting time for kidney stone surgeries could take up to 11 months.
Wee also urged the government to prioritise scholarships for SPM straight-A students and STPM or matriculation graduates with excellent CGPAs.
Describing it as a “win-win solution”, Wee said it would empower the rakyat to decide while helping the government redirect funds more effectively.
“Wouldn’t it be better to support those who genuinely need it, while also upgrading our healthcare and education systems?” he said.
“I believe PMX (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, all Cabinet members and many MPs and assemblymen would also be willing to forgo the RM100 SARA aid for the sake of the people.
“I will be the first to contribute mine.”
The RM100 SARA aid, announced by the prime minister earlier today among other initiatives in appreciation of the rakyat, will be disbursed via MyKad from August 31 to December 31. It can be used to purchase essentials at over 4,100 outlets.
Targeting 22 million adult Malaysians, it forms part of a broader RM15 billion allocation under the SARA and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah programmes this year. – July 23, 2025