Penampang: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) for All aid channelled to all Malaysians starting today has brought relief to a family here, as the assistance received was used to purchase four sacks of rice weighing 40 kilogrammes and other essential items in preparation for the Chinese New Year. Housewife Angele Atik, 26, from Penampang, said she bought rice in bulk along with several other food and beverage items such as coffee, soy sauce and various sauces to ease early festive preparations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Angele Atik explained that the one-off SARA assistance received by her and her husband helps cover part of their overall Chinese New Year expenses, which usually reach around RM500. She mentioned that she learned about the aid in early February and planned their budget to make the best use of the assistance for the festive preparations since both she and her husband each received RM100. The RM200 from the SARA aid was allocated for essential items, helping to ease their expenses for the festival.

Sharing similar gratitude, student Clarissa Diane Matin, 23, also from Penampang, described the SARA aid she received for the second time as an initiative that also provides relief to students facing rising prices. The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak student noted that the RM100 assistance allows students like her to purchase food items at college, such as canned food and packaged drinks, helping to redirect food costs to other expenses. She expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to support students in handling the challenging cost of living.

Private retiree Somuil Longis, 63, from Inanam, also voiced the desire for the effort to continue so more Malaysians can benefit. He highlighted that if both husband and wife receive RM200, the initiative significantly aids in purchasing kitchen essentials like rice and cooking oil. He also noted that the timing of the SARA aid disbursement is advantageous as many supermarkets are offering promotional discounts, enabling families to purchase more necessities.

SARA for All began to be disbursed today to more than 22 million Malaysian MyKad holders aged 18 and above. The aid can be used at registered shops to purchase selected essential items until December 31 this year.