Malaysia expands SARA aid to 8.1 million recipients with RM8 billion allocation

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced improvements to the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance, which began today, aiming to provide more orderly, targeted, and continuous aid to help Malaysians meet basic needs amid cost-of-living pressures.

The 2026 monthly SARA programme involves 8.1 million recipients, with an allocation of RM8 billion, up from 5.4 million recipients and RM5 billion in 2025.

Disbursement for 3.1 million single individuals started today, with eligible recipients receiving up to RM100 per month credited to their MyKad for essential purchases at registered supermarkets.

Overall disbursement began on Jan 9, covering 5 million recipients, including 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses.

"The participation of small shops in the SARA network is expanded to 10,000 premises nationwide, so that the country’s wealth is not confined centrally but flows back to small traders in cities, towns and villages," Anwar said in a Facebook post last night.

He emphasized that the initiative is not merely about cash assistance but aims to breathe new life into the local economy through small shop participation.

The improvements align with the Madani Government's determination to ease the cost-of-living burden and ensure no one is marginalized in meeting daily needs.

"This is the Madani spirit, that is, we jointly step forward to build the country’s future based on justice, peace and prosperity for all, in line with the aspirations of the Madani Economy Framework," Anwar said.

The SARA aid for singles is part of broader efforts to provide targeted support, with the government committing to continuous evaluation and adjustments based on recipient feedback.

Future steps include monitoring the programme's impact on local economies and expanding the network of registered retailers to enhance accessibility for beneficiaries.