The Bantuan Asas Rahmah (SARA) scheme sees near-total uptake in several states, with RM4.59 billion spent by recipients on daily essentials.
IPOH: The near 100% uptake of Bantuan Asas Rahmah (SARA) in several states underscores its vital role in supporting recipients’ daily needs.
Recipients can now choose from a wider range of items, making the aid more flexible and practical.
Retired policeman Mohd Noor Mohd Yusoff, 68, said the expanded list eases daily expenses he previously paid from his own pocket.
“At first, available items were limited. Now essentials like biscuits and canned foods, including sardines, are included,” he told Bernama.
A SARA recipient since its launch, Mohd Noor said he received about RM1,100 in aid this year, including special top-ups.
The monthly aid helps him manage expenses better, allowing his pension to cover his wife’s medical needs after her stroke.
Former engineer Dzahar Yaakub, 67, said the one-off RM100 Appreciation Aid gives households with multiple recipients more spending flexibility.
“Although it’s RM100 per person, in a household with several recipients, the amount can be combined for groceries and is very helpful,” he said.
Private-sector worker Anuar Nazeri, 53, said SARA helps with household groceries and eases the burden on families with children pursuing studies.
“The RM200 I received was spent on groceries such as cooking oil, rice and other essentials,” he said.
His 19-year-old child used the RM100 aid for needs at the polytechnic.
On December 18, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang and the Federal Territory of Labuan recorded an average SARA utilisation rate of nearly 100%.
By then, nearly 5.6 million SARA recipients had used their MyKad to buy essentials, with a 99% usage rate and RM4.59 billion spent.
Over 20 million of the 22 million adult one-off SARA recipients, or 92%, have spent more than RM1.91 billion.
