RM100 SARA aid will be credited from Feb 9, while STR Phase 1 cash payments begin on Jan 20, says Anwar Ibrahim
PETALING JAYA: The RM100 SARA Aid for all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above will be credited starting Feb 9, while Phase 1 of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid will begin on Jan 20, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
Speaking to the nation in his 2026 New Year address during the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly, Anwar said last year, the SARA program benefited 96% of the population, totaling nearly RM2.1 billion.
“While some wealthy recipients also received aid, many chose to share it with poorer neighbours.
“The RM150 million in unspent funds will now be redirected to residents of shelters, victims of domestic violence, students with disabilities, and patients in need of medical devices,” he said.
This year, the SARA program will cover 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and above, with payments aimed at supporting preparations for Ramadan and Chinese New Year celebrations.
Registration remains essential, with efforts to include new recipients in rural areas, as well as 10,000 small traders and retail shops, to help mitigate rising prices of essential goods.
For STR, Anwar said payments of up to RM200 would be credited in phases to identification cards, with Phase 1 payments totaling up to RM500 beginning this month.
Complementing the cash aid programs, Anwar announced the continuation of the Rahmah Madani and Agro Madani sales initiatives.
Over 23,000 Rahmah Madani sales events will be held across 600 state constituencies and 40 Federal Territory locations, while 5,000 Agro Madani sales events will offer products 10 to 30% cheaper than standard market prices.
“These programmes are part of our commitment to ensure affordability of essential goods, support small traders, and reach vulnerable communities,” Anwar added.
