Bukit keteri: RM100 may seem like a small amount to some, but for Nursyafiqah Sobri, 31, it has become a ‘golden capital’ that is helping to transform her family’s life. Each month, the housewife from Bukit Keteri carefully sets aside RM30 from the RM100 Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) assistance received by her husband to use as capital for making and selling traditional kuih.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nursyafiqah expressed her gratitude for the SARA assistance her family receives. Despite being only RM100 a month, it significantly helps alleviate their financial burden. She uses RM30 of the assistance to purchase flour for her kuih business and allocates the remainder to essential purchases like rice. Nursyafiqah, who has two children aged six and 11, sells various kuih such as cucur badak, keria, and popia, distributing them to local shops in her area.

Although her home-based business generates a modest income of RM50 to RM80 weekly, Nursyafiqah remains thankful as it assists in easing her husband’s financial responsibilities. Her husband, a security guard earning RM1,700 a month, is the family’s main breadwinner. In addition to raising their children, the couple also cares for their elderly parents who live with them.

Nursyafiqah believes the SARA assistance is a timely initiative by the government, providing meaningful relief to families like hers. She expressed hope that the government would consider increasing the monthly SARA assistance as the prices of essential goods continue to rise.

Under Budget 2025, the annual SARA assistance has been increased to RM2,100, compared to RM1,200 in the previous year. This initiative aligns with the MADANI Economic Framework, which aims to empower low-income individuals by providing equitable opportunities, enhancing living standards, and offering comprehensive social protection.

To further improve public convenience, the government has expanded the range of goods eligible for purchase under the SARA programme to 14 categories. Additionally, the number of registered participating retail outlets and supermarkets has grown significantly, rising from 700 last year to over 4,100 premises nationwide as of July 2025.