Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced enhancements to the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance program, which commenced today, aimed at ensuring aid reaches citizens in an orderly, targeted, and continuous manner to help meet basic needs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar shared in a Facebook post that this initiative aligns with the MADANI Government's efforts to alleviate the cost-of-living burden. A total of 3.1 million singles will benefit from the SARA aid, which is credited through MyKad. The program is designed not only as cash assistance but also to invigorate the local economy by involving small shops in the SARA network.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the participation of small shops is expanded to 10,000 premises across the country, facilitating the distribution of wealth back to small traders in various locales. Anwar emphasized the commitment of the MADANI Government to ensure inclusivity in meeting daily basic needs.

"This embodies the MADANI spirit, where we collectively work towards building a future grounded in justice, peace, and prosperity for all, in line with the MADANI Economy Framework," Anwar stated.

The SARA aid for singles, starting today, provides eligible individuals with up to RM100 per month, which can be used at registered supermarkets. The 2026 monthly SARA aid disbursement, which began on January 9, covers five million recipients, including 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses, with 3.1 million singles starting to receive aid today.

The overall 2026 SARA program targets 8.1 million recipients, with a budget allocation of RM8 billion, compared to 5.4 million recipients and RM5 billion in 2025.