Kuala lumpur: Almost one third of the approximately RM624.97 million disbursed under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid programme since January 9 has been spent as of January 13, indicating its effectiveness in helping low-income groups cope with the cost of living. Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican highlighted the programme's success in an interview.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johan noted that since SARA's introduction, the MADANI Government has implemented various improvements by considering feedback from multiple sources. These enhancements include expanding the types of products available for purchase and increasing the number of registered premises for recipient convenience.
Johan emphasized the government's commitment to an open approach, welcoming suggestions from recipients to further enhance the monthly aid programme. "So far, the feedback we've received from participating shops has been very positive. Once SARA payments were credited into the identity cards, all of them saw their sales increase," he said.
Based on data from the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Labuan and Sabah recorded the highest percentage of SARA spending at 36 percent each, while Kuala Lumpur was the lowest at 21 percent as of January 13, just five days after the 2026 disbursement began. The data also shows that SARA recipients have spent about RM172.49 million, involving recipients from all states and federal territories, including Labuan and Putrajaya.
Johan further explained that the disbursement of SARA and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) has created opportunities for participating traders and premises to engage in healthy competition by offering lower prices. This competition provides recipients with more spending options and includes products from local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
To ensure no eligible recipients are left out, the MoF has intensified engagement and data cross-checking with relevant agencies such as the Social Welfare Department and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). They are also covering rural areas to ensure comprehensive outreach.
Earlier, the MoF announced the expansion of SARA redemption premises to include more small and independent shops located closer to local communities. This expansion aims to complement existing supermarket outlets, with the goal of increasing the number of participating small shops to 10,000 by the end of 2026. As of November 2025, there were 9,200 registered premises, including over 3,000 small shops.
The SARA programme has seen significant growth, with 8.1 million recipients and an RM8 billion allocation for this year, compared to 5.4 million recipients and RM5 billion in 2025. The 2026 monthly SARA disbursements, starting January 9, are expected to benefit five million recipients, including 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses.
Additionally, STR Phase 1 disbursement for 2026 will kick off on January 20, involving an RM1.1 billion allocation for 3.7 million households and 1.3 million single senior citizens. To reduce the risk of eligible recipients being left out, new STR applications and appeals are open throughout the year via the official portal.