Malaysia expands SARA aid network to include more small shops and local products
KLANG, Jan 15 — The Malaysian government is expanding the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid network by adding more small shops and local products, with enhanced monitoring to ensure benefits reach recipients effectively.
Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said efforts include widening the network of participating retail outlets, particularly by involving more small shops.
He added that more products, including locally made items, will be incorporated into the SARA programme to provide consumers with greater choice.
"Previously, the assistance covered only basic necessities. We later expanded it to include consumable items such as toothpaste and other daily-use products," he told reporters.
He stressed that effective monitoring mechanisms must be in place so the initiative truly benefits the people.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the SARA improvements were formulated with full commitment to help people meet basic needs in a structured manner.
He noted that 3.1 million single individuals also began receiving SARA benefits yesterday through direct crediting into their MyKad.
Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said monthly SARA disbursements began on Jan 9.
Spending had reached nearly one-third of the total RM624.97 million allocation as of Jan 13.
In a separate development, Amir Hamzah warned that the government will withdraw aid if applicants submit inaccurate information, citing a case involving Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) eligibility.