Phase 1 of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) disbursement brings relief to 5 million recipients, helping them manage rising living costs and prepare for Ramadan
KUALA LUMPUR: The first phase of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) disbursements has begun, providing crucial relief to millions of Malaysians facing rising living costs.
Housewife Wan Anisyariah Abd Talib, 42, said the aid is meaningful while her family waits for her husband’s salary. “When we received the aid, I felt relieved and grateful because it eased our family’s burden, especially in buying groceries,” she told Bernama.
The government has allocated RM1.1 billion for this phase, benefiting 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses. Payments range from RM100 to RM500 depending on eligibility.
For private-sector employee Siti Aishah Abu Bakar, 30, the STR helps manage cash flow in urban Selangor. “The government’s efforts to provide targeted assistance like STR have helped ease our burden,” she said.
In Johor, Mohamad Zariq Abdullah, 35, said the modest amount allows for early preparations for Ramadan and Aidilfitri. “I can buy new clothes for my children and other necessities gradually,” said the father of two.
Retiree Tajuddin Shariff, 72, from Perak, welcomed the aid for meeting basic needs alongside his pension. He received RM2,400 through combined STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) payments.
In Kelantan, Mohd Raffie Yaacob, 68, used the funds to purchase essentials like rice and sugar ahead of Ramadan. “For me, the STR truly benefits the people,” he said.
For 67-year-old Azizah Zakaria in Kedah, the aid is vital for her family’s limited income. “With the STR, I can buy groceries and keep some food supplies in preparation for Ramadan,” she said.
