Govt expands Sara aid, recipients grateful ahead of Aidilfitri

An expansion of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) financial aid is expected to bring relief to the B40 group, as recipients express gratitude at being able to afford Aidilfitri preparations.

For single mother Intan Suraya Mohd Noordin, 50, a new Sara recipient, the assistance has provided significant relief in easing the financial burden for her and her only child.

“Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful to be listed as a recipient, and this additional aid will help cover the cost of essential items for our Aidilfitri preparations,” she said when met by Bernama at a supermarket in Tambun, Perak, today.

Suraya, who was a recipient of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) aid, praised the government’s approach of distributing Sara automatically through the MyKad, which she described as safer and ensures that only eligible recipients can use it.

The government announced an expansion of the Sara aid today, from 700,000 recipients previously, to 5.4 million starting April 1.

Eligible recipients will receive aid of up to RM2,100, an increase of 75 percent compared to RM1,200 in 2024.

This expansion is part of the increase in the allocation for the STR and Sara programmes to RM13 billion this year, the highest amount in the history of government cash aid distribution to the public.

In addition, 4.7 million STR recipients who are not listed in eKasih will receive the new Sara aid of RM50 per month for senior citizens, without a spouse, and RM100 per month for households, starting April 1.

Shahrulnaim Salim, 28, a worker at the Ipoh City Council and a new Sara recipient, expressed his gratitude for the government assistance.

“With this help, I can cover additional grocery expenses, especially during the festive season when it is much needed. I feel really happy knowing that this will ease my family's financial burden,” said the civil servant, who is awaiting the birth of his second child soon.

Meanwhile, Kamarudin Abu Kasim, 69, a former healthcare assistant, was pleasantly surprised upon finding out he was eligible to receive the Sara aid this year.

“Previously, I only received the STR assistance. As a pensioner, I have some savings, although not much. But this year, I was surprised when I found my name listed as a recipient for the SARA assistance,” he said when met after attempting to make a payment using his MyKad, only to see that the assistance would be available starting April 1.

Under the Sara programme, recipients can purchase selected essential items using their MyKad at over 1,200 registered retail stores across the country, compared to 700 stores in 2024.

Sara recipients can use the credits provided to purchase selected basic necessities in categories such as personal hygiene items, medicines, and school supplies, in addition to basic food items.

- Bernama

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