Kuala lumpur: The one-off Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash aid of RM100, an amount previously questioned by some quarters, has proven to significantly ease household expenses while also stimulating the domestic economy. Since the aid was distributed to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, starting on National Day last Sunday, social media platforms have been flooded with posts of recipients sharing how they used the assistance to purchase basic necessities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, most of those interviewed viewed the aid as a ‘rezeki berganda’ (double blessing), particularly for the B40 group, in helping them cope with the rising cost of living. Nabila Mohd Azmai, 36, from Damansara, expressed that the aid arrived at a crucial time, as her household currently relies solely on her husband’s income. She mentioned that the assistance helps with purchasing essential items like rice and eggs, which is what truly matters.
Zamri Ahmad, 55, highlighted that the SARA assistance not only allows people from all income levels to obtain necessities at reasonable prices but also helps small traders clear their stock. He noted that purchasing essentials with SARA was a relief and enabled him to help those in need while acquiring various items affordably.
The positive impact extended beyond the capital. In Pahang, single mother and factory operator Norlia Abdullah, 48, described the aid as a great relief, stretching her household expenses for more than a month by combining it with her monthly MyKasih aid. Similarly, in Selangor, Aifa Natasha Azmi, 28, a mother of two, shared that the SARA assistance, combined with her husband’s allocation, allowed them to significantly reduce their expenses on dry goods.
In Terengganu, single mother and restaurant owner Norharizan Hassan, 47, said the aid was planned carefully for emergencies, particularly during the flood season. Her family, who lives together to save costs, expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s announcement of the aid, which they had not previously received.
In Kelantan, businessman Ab Manaf Mat Shah, 68, perceived the SARA assistance as more than financial aid; it’s an opportunity to instill prudent spending habits within his family. With 12 family members eligible, they received a total of RM2,100, which will be used thoughtfully for essential needs.
The SARA assistance, distributed via MyKad beginning Aug 31, benefits 22 million Malaysians with a total allocation of RM2 billion. The one-off RM100 contribution is provided to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, regardless of income category – B40, M40, or T20 – and can be redeemed at selected supermarkets nationwide using their MyKad.