The allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance schemes has been increased to RM16 billion for 2027, up from RM15 billion.
When tabling the 2027 budget, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said all STR recipients would receive SARA assistance of up to RM150 a month, or RM1,800 a year, benefiting up to nine million people.
Anwar also announced that Malaysians aged 18 and above would receive RM100 in SARA assistance on two occasions, ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and the 70th anniversary of Merdeka.
The initiative is expected to benefit up to 13 million Malaysians, including those in the M40 income group, he said.
SARA aid extended to fresh produce
The government will allow SARA assistance to be used to purchase fresh produce at 216 farmers’ markets and tamu markets operated by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority nationwide.
Anwar said the move would expand the range of places where recipients could use the assistance to buy essential goods.
More small grocery shops to participate
The government aims to increase the number of participating small grocery shops to 10,000 by the end of this year.
‘To date, SARA’s network of participating businesses comprises 15,000 outlets, including 6,800 small grocery shops and cooperatives,’ Anwar said.
