Kuala lumpur: The recent data reveals that more than 8.5 million recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) have been registered, with RM4 billion in cash aid distributed through the initiative’s Phase 1 and 2 payments, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry has announced that two additional payment phases for STR are planned for August and November this year. The government has increased the allocation for STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) to a historic RM13 billion, an increase from the previous RM10 billion. This increase is set to benefit nine million recipients, which constitutes 60 percent of Malaysia’s adult population, as stated in a written reply on the Parliament’s website.

The response was directed to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) concerning the total financial allocation disbursed in 2024 for the SARA programme. Regarding the SARA programme, MOF reported that as of July 14, 2025, more than 4.9 million recipients have utilized their MyKad to purchase basic goods at participating stores. These purchases indicate an overall usage rate of 92 percent in the fourth month of credit disbursement.

A total of 5.4 million recipients have been registered, with an annual SARA entitlement totaling RM5 billion. The number of SARA recipients saw a substantial increase from 700,000 to 5.4 million starting in April 2025. MOF also emphasized the government’s commitment to continuously monitor the current situation to ensure that cash assistance programs are effectively delivered to those in need and facing cost-of-living challenges.