The government is widening the SARA aid network with more small shops and local products, while strengthening monitoring to ensure benefits reach the people.
KLANG: The government is continuously exploring ways to strengthen and expand the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance network to help the less fortunate.
Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said efforts include widening the network of participating retail outlets, particularly by involving more small shops.
He added that more products, including locally made items, will be incorporated into the SARA programme to provide consumers with greater choice.
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“Previously, the assistance covered only basic necessities. We later expanded it to include consumable items such as toothpaste and other daily-use products,” he told reporters.
He stressed that effective monitoring mechanisms must be in place so the initiative truly benefits the people.
Amir Hamzah was speaking after officiating the MyPlus Community Day at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Bukit Kuda.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the SARA improvements were formulated with full commitment to help people meet basic needs in a structured manner.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said the initiative aligns with the government’s determination to ease the cost-of-living burden.
He noted that 3.1 million single individuals also began receiving SARA benefits yesterday through direct crediting into their MyKad.
Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said monthly SARA disbursements began on Jan 9.
Spending had reached nearly one-third of the total RM624.97 million allocation as of Jan 13.
In a separate development, Amir Hamzah hoped there would be no further cases of inaccurate information in government aid applications.
“I hope there will not be many such cases. However, when the government finds that there has been an improper method, as in this instance, the assistance will be withdrawn,” he said.
He was commenting on a case involving an individual allegedly eligible for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) despite having rental income exceeding the threshold.
The Ministry of Finance said the government reserves the right to withdraw any assistance if applicants submit inaccurate information. – Bernama
