Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government has agreed to expand the category of goods covered by Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) for all to include frozen food as well.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, stated that the decision was made in response to public requests to expand the list of basic items to include frozen foods.
He also stated that the number of small grocery stores participating in the SARA programme will be increased to 10,000 nationwide by the end of the year, with the coverage radius reduced to seven kilometres (km) from the current ten kilometres.
“Previously, there were issues because SARA purchases could only be made at large stores. However, now, it is possible at these 10,000 grocery stores across the country,” he said today during his address to the National Unity Ministry assembly.
Anwar stated that under SARA for all, a total of 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and up will receive RM100 credited to their respective MyKads beginning today and it is valid until 31st December 2026.
The Prime Minister stated that, while the amount of aid provided by SARA for all is small, it can help people reduce their living expenses while also stimulating domestic spending.
According to Anwar, aid under SARA for all is given to individuals rather than families.
“For example, a household of a husband, wife, and two adult children will receive RM400. It is hoped that this will be used wisely, as it coincides with Chinese New Year and the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims,” he said.
During his speech, he also mentioned that fiscal reforms have resulted in savings that can be redistributed to benefit all Malaysians, allowing SARA for all to be implemented for the second time.
“…it would be impossible to provide all of this government assistance without a robust and healthy economy. Therefore, everything is linked. It is driven by political stability and a focus on economic activity, said Anwar.
“Then we must train our children to acquire skills in fields they have not mastered before. All of this must be considered, and only when all of this is in place can we deliver results to the people,” he stated.
The one-time RM100 assistance is valid from today to 31st December 2026.
