Pulau bum bum: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has disbursed a total of RM52.7 million to 46,568 recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative, who do not have bank accounts, through a series of nationwide distribution programmes to date.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Treasury deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz stated that the disbursement involved 31 locations across Sabah’s interior, benefiting 23,105 recipients. A similar initiative was carried out at 25 locations in Sarawak, reaching 20,775 recipients.
In the interior regions of Peninsular Malaysia, the programme is specifically conducted for the Orang Asli communities across four locations – Gua Musang in Kelantan; Jerantut and Lipis in Pahang; and Hulu Perak in Perak – involving a total of 2,688 recipients. Datuk Zamzuri added that today, 3,300 recipients from Pulau Bum Bum and Pulau Mabul are benefiting from the STR disbursement programme.
He noted that apart from not having bank accounts, nearly 47,000 STR recipients living in remote areas also face significant challenges in accessing cash disbursements at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branches due to long travel distances and the necessity of boat transport.
Housewife Atikah Noor Najib, 34, from Kampung Balimbang, expressed that the government’s initiative to implement the STR disbursement programme on Pulau Bum Bum shows concern for residents in remote areas. She explained that previously, she had to travel to the BSN branch on the mainland in Semporna, incurring travel costs, which made the process cumbersome.
Kampung Lok Butun resident, Kamis Bata, 62, remarked that the STR payout on the island reflects a government attentive to the challenges faced by rural communities. The new approach alleviates the financial and logistical burdens previously faced by residents.
Jamal Lumaadan, 48, a military veteran from Kampung Hampalan Darat Tengah, described the STR aid as a lifeline for his family. The disbursement has simplified access to much-needed assistance, especially as he is currently unable to work due to a fractured leg.
The STR disbursement in interior areas is coordinated by the MOF through the Sabah and Sarawak branches of the Treasury, with support from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), and district offices. On Pulau Bum Bum, the STR payment programme began as early as 7 am, with two main counters set up to verify recipient lists and handle STR payment transactions. Additionally, a Rahmah Sales programme was also held to provide essential goods at affordable prices.