Kuala lumpur: The government is committed to enhancing the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) network to better assist the underprivileged, as stated by Minister of Finance II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The efforts focus on expanding the involvement of retail outlets, especially small shops, to facilitate the public's access to essential goods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these improvements include incorporating more locally made products into the SARA programme, thereby offering consumers a wider range of essential items. Amir Hamzah emphasized the need for effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure the initiative achieves its intended impact.

Amir Hamzah made these remarks at the MyPlus Community Day event at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Bukit Kuda. The event was attended by PLUS Berhad chairman Datuk Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif, members of the PLUS board of directors, and UEM Group Berhad managing director Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously highlighted that the SARA improvements are part of the MADANI Government's strategy to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures. He noted that 3.1 million single individuals started receiving SARA benefits through direct crediting into their MyKad.

Earlier, Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican reported that the monthly SARA disbursements, which commenced on January 9, accounted for nearly one-third of the RM624.97 million allocation as of January 13.

In another context, Amir Hamzah expressed concerns over incorrect information submitted by applicants for government aid, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR). He stated that such inaccuracies could lead to the withdrawal of assistance, as evidenced by a case involving an applicant with rental income exceeding eligibility criteria.

The Ministry of Finance, in a statement on January 14, affirmed its right to revoke any assistance if false information is provided by applicants.