Nearly one-third of Sara aid spent within five days of disbursal, Treasury says
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 17 — Nearly one-third of the RM624.97 million disbursed under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid programme since Jan 9 has been spent as of Jan 13, according to the Treasury secretary-general, indicating its effectiveness in helping low-income groups cope with the cost of living.
The Sara programme, launched on Jan 9, provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households across Malaysia.
Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican reported the spending data, highlighting rapid utilization by beneficiaries.
"The quick spending shows the aid is reaching those in need and being used for essential expenses," Johan said.
The disbursed amount totals approximately RM624.97 million, with about one-third spent within the first five days.
This rapid expenditure suggests the programme is addressing immediate financial pressures faced by low-income groups.
The Sara aid is part of broader government initiatives to mitigate the impact of rising living costs on vulnerable populations.
Previous similar programmes have shown varying rates of spending, but Sara's early data points to high uptake.
Authorities will monitor further spending patterns to assess long-term effectiveness and potential adjustments.
For more details, refer to the full story on The Star's website.