SARA cashless aid for basic goods reached RM4.8 billion in 2025, with 99% of 5.6 million recipients using MyKad at registered stores
KUALA LUMPUR: Transactions under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cashless aid programme reached RM4.8 billion in 2025.
Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said nearly 5.6 million recipients used the facility via MyKad at registered premises.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that 99% of recipients used the cashless assistance facility for their purchases.
The programme provides credit through the national identification card for buying 14 categories of essential items.
“This approach enables the government to effectively monitor the implementation of the programme,” Amir Hamzah said.
He added it ensures targeted groups truly benefit from the assistance for its intended purpose.
The aid is drawn from the RM5 billion allocation for monthly SARA under Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR).
Amir Hamzah said the year-on-year increase in STR and SARA allocations reflects the government’s commitment.
“This assistance, particularly SARA, is a targeted mechanism that helps citizens cope with rising living costs,” he stated.
He was speaking during the Ministers’ Question Time session in Parliament.
