Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his 2026 New Year’s address at the Prime Minister Department’s monthly assembly, has announced that Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Rahmah Basic Aid), or SARA, and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (Rahmah Cash Aid), or STR, will begin being disbursed as early as 9 January to all citizens.
Monthly SARA
The monthly SARA will be disbursed on 9 January 2026 for 5 million recipients comprising 3.7 million households and 1.3 million single senior citizens, followed by payments to 3.1 million single individuals on 16 January 2026.
Depending on the approval category, monthly SARA recipients will receive between RM50 and RM200.
Overall, the monthly SARA involves 8.1 million recipients with an allocation of RM8 billion for 2026, compared to 5.4 million recipients with an allocation of RM5 billion in 2025.
The monthly SARA for 2025 has shown a spending performance of almost 100% by recipients, including in rural areas.
It is said that there will be several new improvements to enhance the benefits of the recipients.
“This year, the target number of mall shops involved in the SARA programme will be increased to 10,000 by the end of 2026, compared to over 3,000 at the end of 2025, complementing existing supermarket branches.” The Ministry of Finance stated, quoting the prime minister’s speech.
SARA for All
Besides SARA Monthly, which is basic goods assistance distributed every month starting 9 January 2026 to STR recipients and needy groups, the prime minister has also announced the SARA for All aid of RM100 one-off, also distributed on 9 February 2026 to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above regardless of income.
SARA for All is hoped to benefit the people in preparation for the upcoming month of fasting and the celebration of Chinese New Year.
This initiative was first introduced on 31 August 2025 as an appreciation to the people of Malaysia in conjunction with National Day.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, a total of 22 million Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to receive the one-off credit.
“SARA for All 2025 has been used by 21.2 million people, or 96% of recipients, with an expenditure of nearly RM2.1 billion.”
“As previously stated, the unspent balance of approximately RM150 million from SARA for All will be redistributed to ensure the welfare of vulnerable groups.”
The initiatives identified include 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 provide food to underprivileged students.
STR Phase 1 2026
Dato’ Seri Anwar announced that STR Phase 1 2026 distribution would begin on January 20, 2026, with an allocation of RM1.1 billion for 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without a partner.
Recipients will receive RM100 to RM500, depending on their eligibility.
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