Kuala Lumpur: The expansion of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, implemented on Tuesday as part of the MADANI Government’s initiative to mitigate living costs, has brought significant relief to low- and middle-income families.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MADANI Government has increased the assistance amount to RM2,100 for poor and hardcore poor households registered under eKasih, up from RM1,200 last year. The programme initially provided RM100 per month from January to March, with the amount increasing to RM200 per month starting April 1. This change has expanded the programme’s reach to 5.4 million recipients, a substantial increase from the 700,000 beneficiaries previously covered.

In Perlis, housewife Hawa Razak, 45, expressed relief as the increased assistance eases the financial strain on her self-employed husband, enabling their family to meet monthly needs more comfortably. “I have four children. With just RM100 before, I had to prioritise essential items. But now, with RM200, I have an extra RM100 to buy other necessities,” she shared.

In Johor, 68-year-old Masnah Shamsudin noted that the increased aid is timely amid current economic conditions, allowing her to purchase medicine along with essential goods. “Prices fluctuate, and I rely solely on my husband’s pension. With this aid, I no longer have to worry about groceries and medication, and I can save the money my husband gives me,” she explained.

Meanwhile, in Kelantan, housewife Rosmarini Abdul Rahman, 44, praised the initiative as evidence of the government’s dedication to public welfare. In Perak, new recipient Intan Suraya Mohd Noordin, 50, highlighted the programme’s impact on her household budget, allowing her to save half of her usual spending on essentials.

Former nurse Zaitun Abdul Rahim, 63, remarked on the convenience of receiving aid directly through MyKad, facilitating cashless transactions. Starting this year, the SARA disbursement via MyKad has expanded to include Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, after previously covering only Peninsular Malaysia in 2024.

In Sabah, housewife Laila Simbun, 46, expressed gratitude for the programme’s expansion and urged authorities to ensure all eligible recipients are identified. In Sarawak, new recipient Andrew Sibat, 33, acknowledged the aid’s role in easing his financial burden, allowing him to purchase essential items and school supplies. “I previously received the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and thought that was the only assistance available. I can’t express how grateful I am to receive this additional support,” said Andrew, who is self-employed.