Malaysia: Government to Distribute Cash Aid Tomorrow: Low-Income Families to Receive RM2,100 Annually

Government to Disburse SARA Aid Tomorrow: Low-Income Families to Receive RM2,100 Annually

Kuala Lumpur, January 14 – Starting tomorrow, the government will disburse the SARA Aid (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah), with a substantial increase in benefits for low-income families compared to last year. Registered families in the eKasih system will now receive RM2,100 annually, up from RM1,200 in 2024, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.

Key Details of SARA 2025

1. Increased Allocation:
   The allocation for STR and SARA programs has been raised from RM10 billion to RM13 billion.

2. Disbursement Timeline:

   • January to March: Recipients will receive RM100 monthly.
   • From April Onwards: Monthly aid increases to RM200.

3. Beneficiaries:

   • 5.4 million recipients, including:
     • 700,000 SARA beneficiaries registered in eKasih.
     • 4.7 million STR beneficiaries not in the eKasih system.

4. Additional Monthly Aid:

   • RM100 for families.
   • RM50 for single senior citizens.

How SARA Benefits Work

The aid is distributed via MyKad, enabling beneficiaries to purchase essential goods like food, hygiene products, medicines, and school supplies at over 1,200 registered stores nationwide—an increase from 700 stores in 2024.

• Finance Minister and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that SARA targets those in genuine need, utilizing the nation’s growing revenue and subsidy reductions to fund this initiative.

“SARA reflects our values of fairness and compassion, leveraging digital technology to ensure aid distribution is simple, efficient, and reaches more citizens,” Anwar said.

Expanded Coverage for Sabah and Sarawak

The SARA mechanism will now extend to Sabah and Sarawak, unlike 2024, when it was limited to Peninsular Malaysia. Beneficiaries in these states will now receive aid via MyKad, ensuring uniformity and improved convenience.