Kuala Lumpur – The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has issued a statement regarding the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Monthly Assembly Ceremony.
According to MOF, the upcoming SARA aid, which will be distributed on February 9, is a one-off payment granted to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, regardless of income, similar to last year’s financial aid.
The ministry added that only 96 percent of recipients had utilised the previous aid, leaving around RM150 million unspent. This remaining amount will be allocated to support vulnerable groups.
“Among the initiatives identified are support for shelter residents, such as victims of domestic violence, assistance for students with disabilities and special needs, the purchase of medical devices for vulnerable groups, and the Dapur SISWA initiative to help underprivileged students access food,” MOF stated.
Meanwhile, MOF confirmed that the well-known monthly payment, ranging from RM50 to RM200 depending on the recipient’s income, will resume from January 9. The monthly payment is expected to benefit five million Malaysians, including 3.7 million households, 1.3 million senior citizens, and 3.1 million single adults, starting from January 16.
Additionally, the number of small stores eligible to accept SARA payments has been increased from 3,000 to 10,000.
As usual, SARA will be credited to Malaysians’ identity cards (ICs) and can be used to purchase essential items such as rice, eggs, medications approved by the Ministry of Health (KKM), and school supplies. — January 5, 2026