Kuala lumpur:<Text>

The RM100 assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme for every Malaysian aged 18 and above will continue this year and be credited on February 9, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, mentioned that the aid will benefit 2.2 million people and expressed hope that the funds would be used to prepare for Ramadan and the Chinese New Year celebrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated, 'This assistance will be credited on February 9 to help with preparations for Ramadan and the Chinese New Year,' during an address at the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) monthly assembly. Additionally, Anwar indicated that the SARA assistance for hardcore poor recipients will be credited on January 9, while the first phase of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash contribution, amounting to up to RM500, will be credited on January 20.

Anwar also noted that the government will expand new r egistrations under the SARA programme this year to include small traders, such as grocery shop operators, to address the issue of some rural residents still not registered in the existing system. The target is to involve 10,000 small traders nationwide under the SARA programme this year, thereby extending the reach of the assistance at the grassroots level.

With public concerns over rising prices, Anwar announced the commencement of the MADANI Rahmah Sales programme on January 9, to be implemented three times a month in every state constituency. Overall, more than 23,000 MADANI Rahmah Sales events will be held nationwide, covering 600 state constituencies and 40 locations in the Federal Territories, to ensure essential goods are sold at prices lower than prevailing local market rates.

In addition, Anwar revealed that approximately 5,000 MADANI Agro Sales programmes will also be implemented, offering price savings of between 10 and 30 percent to help ease the cost of living for the people.