The expanded SARA for All programme now includes frozen food, with RM100 aid accessible at over 10,000 retail outlets for all adult Malaysians.
PUTRAJAYA: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) for All programme has been expanded to include frozen food items.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) announced that the aid can now also be used to purchase essential items at over 10,000 retail outlets and supermarkets nationwide.
Starting today until 31 Dec 2026, all 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive RM100 credited to their MyKad accounts.
He also said the assistance can now be used to purchase essential goods, including frozen food, at more than 10,000 participating retail outlets nationwide, with greater involvement of small grocery stores.
“Participation by small grocery stores will also be increased to 10,000 outlets, with the distance to Sara outlets reduced to within seven kilometres, compared to 10 kilometres previously,” he said.
Anwar stressed that the assistance is provided on an individual basis rather than per household, meaning a household comprising a husband, wife and two adult children would receive a total of RM400.
He expressed hope that the aid would be spent prudently, particularly ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations and the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Although the amount may appear modest, Anwar said the government was committed to ensuring broad-based assistance without jeopardising fiscal discipline.
“When we talk about 22 million recipients receiving Sara for the second time, the total allocation under Sara and the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) amounts to RM15 billion.
This is not a small sum,” he said.
He explained that the government could not disburse larger amounts at one time as it was determined to avoid a budget deficit, adding that prudent spending was closely monitored at the ministerial level, including by the Chief Secretary to the Government and ministry secretaries-general.
Anwar also said the latest improvements addressed previous concerns that the aid could only be spent at large retail chains.
“Now, purchases can be made at 10,000 grocery shops across the country, allowing the economic benefits to be distributed more evenly and reach the grassroots,” he said.
Responding to feedback received through the ministry, he said the inclusion of frozen food items was made after recipients requested greater flexibility in their purchases.
“Even if the amount seems small, for families with four or five members, the combined assistance can make a meaningful difference,” he added.
