The Ministry of Finance debunks a viral WhatsApp message about STR and SARA applications, urging the public to rely only on official channels for information.
PUTRAJAYA: A viral WhatsApp message claiming applications for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance are being processed via the platform is fake.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that no STR or SARA applications or payments are conducted through WhatsApp.
The public has been advised not to open suspicious links or share personal information with unknown parties.
“For authentic and up-to-date information, please refer only to the Ministry of Finance’s official channels,” the ministry said in a post on its official X account.
The fake message was titled ‘STR Bujang 2026 – Permohonan & Bayaran Bantuan SARA RM600 Untuk Yang Layak’.
The Phase 1 disbursement of STR for this year began recently with an allocation of RM1.1 billion.
It benefits 3.7 million households and 1.3 million seniors without spouses, with payments ranging from RM100 to RM500.
Monthly SARA payments of between RM50 and RM200 have been disbursed since Jan 9, benefiting 8.1 million recipients.
