Govt expands SARA network to improve aid access, includes more products and outl
KLANG, Jan 17 — The government is expanding the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance network to improve access and ensure aid reaches those in need, Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said today.
Efforts include widening the network of participating retail outlets, particularly by involving more small shops, to make it more convenient for the public to access essential daily necessities.
"Previously, the assistance covered only basic necessities. We later expanded it to include consumable items such as toothpaste and other daily-use products," Amir Hamzah said.
He added that more products, including locally made items, will be incorporated into the SARA programme to provide consumers with greater choice in obtaining essential goods.
"However, as we enhance and broaden the network of participating outlets, we must also ensure that effective monitoring mechanisms are in place so that the initiative truly benefits the people," he said.
Amir Hamzah was speaking to reporters after officiating the MyPlus Community Day at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Bukit Kuda here.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday that improvements to SARA assistance were formulated to ensure people can meet basic needs in a more structured, targeted and continuous manner.
Anwar noted that 3.1 million single individuals began receiving SARA benefits yesterday through direct crediting into their MyKad.
Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said today that monthly SARA disbursements, which began on Jan 9, had recorded spending of nearly one-third of the total allocation of approximately RM624.97 million as of Jan 13.
In a separate development, Amir Hamzah expressed hope that there would be no further cases of applicants submitting inaccurate information in applications for government aid, including the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) assistance.
"I hope there will not be many such cases. However, when the government finds that there has been an improper method, as in this instance, the assistance will be withdrawn," he said.
The Ministry of Finance said on Jan 14 that the government reserves the right to withdraw any form of assistance, including STR, if applicants are found to have submitted inaccurate information.