Fish, chicken and other fresh goods will be included in the updated SARA aid essential items list, easing the public’s cost of living.
SUNGAI PETANI: The list of essential items under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme will be updated by Ramadan this year.
Political secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, said there have been requests to include additional items, including fresh produce.
“Several parties have suggested adding more items, and the ministry is considering including fresh goods such as fish, chicken and others,“ he said.
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He expects this to be implemented before Ramadan to help ease the public’s burden during festive seasons.
The government is exploring the best mechanisms to expand the scope of the SARA aid programme.
“We are looking at the best ways to broaden the scope of SARA and it will not be limited to the existing list,“ Muhammad Kamil added.
SARA recipients will also be able to buy items at more small shops, especially in rural areas.
He said the number of SARA and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients changes annually.
The total allocation for these programmes amounts to RM15 billion.
“This month we are reviewing and releasing an updated list of SARA and STR recipients,“ he stated.
The list varies as some move out of the poor category while new recipients are included.
This annual review is why the SARA distribution is slightly delayed this year, to ensure it reaches qualified recipients. – Bernama
