Samarahan: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid introduced by the MADANI government has been met with appreciation from the residents of Kampung Nangka, a village about 30 kilometers from Kuching. Most of the 112 families residing here depend on modest incomes and have found the assistance beneficial in managing daily expenses, particularly for essential goods.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kampung Nangka’s headman, Minggu Julang, highlighted that while the aid has been crucial for many, there is room for enhancement to increase its effectiveness for rural populations. He noted that most families in the village earn between RM1,500 and RM2,100 monthly, and SARA has helped extend their grocery budgets. However, he suggested broadening the range of items covered and making the aid applicable at small village shops to ensure inclusivity.
Minggu also proposed improvements to the MyKasih system, recommending SMS or phone notifications to inform recipients when their aid has been credited. This improvement would alleviate the uncertainty many face regarding the status of their financial aid.
Kampung Nangka, founded in 1907 with just three families, now houses 517 individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Iban, Bidayuh, Chinese, and Malay communities. For these villagers, SARA represents more than financial support; it is a testament to the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Residents like Chundi Rini, who at 65 navigated the aid process with assistance from his children, and Chia Chay Khoo, 72, who described the aid as an ‘unexpected blessing,’ shared their positive experiences with the programme. Both emphasized the ease of the process and the significant relief it provides.
Wilfred Jeny Briak, another beneficiary, expressed gratitude for the aid and hopes for an increase in the allocation. He appreciated the assistance his son provided in utilizing a mobile phone to check eligible items under SARA.
The SARA programme, aimed at providing targeted cash aid, has expanded to include 5.4 million recipients, encompassing both eKasih households and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients. Under the 2025 budget, allocations for STR and SARA have been increased to RM13 billion from RM10 billion, with annual SARA aid rising to RM2,100 from RM1,200 last year.
In celebration of National Day, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a one-off RM100 contribution for all citizens aged 18 and above, which will be credited to their MyKad under SARA. This initiative, benefiting 22 million Malaysians, adds RM2 billion to the allocation, bringing the total STR and SARA aid to RM15 billion this year, the highest in the nation’s history. The funds can be utilized at over 4,500 shops and supermarkets nationwide from August 31 to December 31.