Article Search By : Mrs. Marziati Md Din, Internal Audit Division UPM

Source : Berita Harian Online

The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance of RM100, given as a one-off credit through MyKad, is being distributed starting today and can be spent until 31 December 2025 at more than 4,100 participating SARA merchants nationwide, including through the Jualan Rahmah program.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on 23 July that the one-off RM100 would be given to every Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above via MyKad under the SARA program, which is applicable for the purchase of essential goods from 14 selected product categories.

Anwar said the initiative, held in conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day 2025 celebration today, is a swift measure to ease the cost-of-living burden while also serving as an appreciation to the people. It benefits 22 million residents with an allocation of RM2 billion.

The total allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and SARA has increased from RM13 billion to RM15 billion this year. This marks the first time in history that cash assistance is extended to all adult citizens.

“This assistance can be spent from 31 August 2025 until 31 December 2025 to purchase basic necessities at more than 4,100 outlets, including supermarkets such as Mydin, Lotus’s, Econsave, and 99 Speedmart, as well as grocery stores in every district nationwide.

“This assistance is given individually, not by household. For example, in a household consisting of a husband, wife, and two adult children, they would receive a total of RM400,” said Anwar.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, noted that the cost of living remains a challenge that must be addressed wisely and urgently, even though the overall inflation rate in June this year was the lowest in 52 months at 1.1 percent. However, food and beverage price increases still exceeded the average inflation rate.

“There may be some among us who are well-off and do not require this assistance.

“The government intends for any unspent assistance by year’s end to be redirected to support vulnerable groups next year,” he added.

Major Benefits if Spent Wisely

Meanwhile, BERNAMA reported that FOMCA believes the RM100 one-off assistance to every Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above could have a significant impact if used prudently.

FOMCA’s Chief Operating Officer, Nur Asyikin Aminuddin, said the aid could help ease the people’s burden in providing for daily essentials.

“The government’s initiative through the MyKasih program deserves attention, as it offers various basic goods at much lower prices than usual. Additionally, the Jualan Rahmah program also provides prices far cheaper than regular shops.

“With RM100, the people can not only buy more essential goods, but they can also enjoy substantial savings through the MyKasih program. This clearly proves that even small assistance has great value when combined with government initiatives specifically designed for the people,” she said.

Nur Asyikin added that the RM100 aid also stimulates the local economy, benefiting not only recipients but also contributing to the nation’s economic cycle.

“For the T20 group or those who feel they do not need the aid, this is an opportunity to do good. The RM100 assistance can be used to purchase basic necessities and donated to elderly care homes, orphanages, or centers for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“This assistance should not be underestimated. Its value is not just monetary, but also a symbol of instilling spending discipline, fostering solidarity, and strengthening cooperation between the people and the government in facing the cost-of-living challenges,” she explained.

She emphasized that although RM100 may not solve all cost-of-living issues, it can still have a positive effect if fully utilized.

“This is the spirit of Malaysia MADANI that we must continue to nurture – shared prosperity for the nation’s future,” she said.

Date of Input: 24/09/2025 | Updated: 24/09/2025 | muhammad.isam