Monthly SARA aid starts Jan 2026 for 8.1 million recipients, with RM50-RM200 payments and one-off RM100 SARA for All in Feb
PETALING JAYA: The government will disburse the Monthly SARA aid to 8.1 million recipients in 2026, with payments starting this month, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said.
In a statement, MOF said that 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses will receive payments on Jan 9, while payments to another 3.1 million single individuals will follow on Jan 16, with recipients receiving between RM50 and RM200, depending on eligibility.
“The 2026 programme will also see the number of small retail outlets participating in SARA expand to 10,000 by the end of the year, up from over 3,000 in 2025, complementing existing supermarket branches.
“Last year, almost 100% of allocated funds were spent, including in rural areas. This year, Monthly SARA will have an allocation of RM8 billion, up from RM5 billion in 2025,” it said.
The Prime Minister also announced a one-off RM100 payment under the SARA for All initiative, to be disbursed on Feb 9 to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, ahead of Ramadan and Chinese New Year.
“First introduced on Aug 31 2025, the initiative covers around 22 million Malaysians. Last year, 96% of recipients used the payments, totaling nearly RM2.1 billion.
“Remaining unspent funds, estimated at RM150 million, will be redirected to vulnerable groups, including shelter residents, students with special needs, medical devices for the needy, and Dapur SISWA meal initiatives.
Additionally, STR Phase 1 payments for 2026 will begin on Jan 20, with an allocation of RM1.1 billion for 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses, with payments ranging from RM100 to RM500 depending on eligibility.
