Sabah: The Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) initiative is generating a wider economic impact in Sabah, with retailers, wholesalers, and local manufacturers recording higher sales as more businesses join the programme and locally made products are included under its redemption list.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the expansion of SARA Merchant Partners, which now involves 1,495 businesses in Sabah, together with the 'Kami Support Produk Lokal Sabah' initiative, has increased sales among local entrepreneurs by between 50 and 80 percent while strengthening demand for locally produced goods.

Chairman of Koperasi Anugerah Haji Badli, Sobri Lawdji, stated that joining the SARA Merchant Partner programme late last year had significantly benefited the cooperative, which was established in early 2024 and is the only SARA Merchant Partner on Pulau Bum-Bum, Semporna. He noted that daily sales rose sharply, especially at the beginning of each month when recipients received their assistance, with essential items such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour, and onions among the best-selling products. Sobri also mentioned that supplies have never run out, even during festive seasons, as they ensure sufficient stocks are prepared in advance.

Sobri highlighted that the initiative had benefited more than 25,000 residents on the island who are eligible for SARA For All, including 3,300 recipients eligible for SARA Monthly and the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR). He added that the cooperative also organised Rahmah MADANI Sales to support island residents, many of whom work as fishermen and face income challenges during periods of strong winds. Sobri expressed hope that SARA would continue and that its allocation could be increased to further empower local retailers while easing the burden on island communities.

Meanwhile, Dpro Trading Sdn Bhd director in Tawau, Tham Nyuk Lin, indicated that the wholesale and retail business, which she has operated since 2017, recorded encouraging sales growth after joining SARA late last year. She reported that customers' purchasing power increased significantly whenever the assistance was distributed, with rice being the most sought-after item, followed by sugar, cooking oil, and local products. Tham explained that besides direct sales to consumers, her Tawau premises also attracted small retailers who purchased bulk supplies for resale.

Tham mentioned that the shop offers affordable prices, making it a preferred source for small traders, allowing them to resell the goods or use them to produce other products at lower prices in their respective areas. She noted that overall supplies at the store remained sufficient, with only minimal delays caused by disruptions in supplier deliveries. Tham hoped the SARA programme would continue as it had helped boost local businesses while enabling lower-income groups to obtain essential goods.

For local manufacturers, Rich Inspiration Sdn Bhd marketing officer Arsiyati Mando stated that the listing of the company's products under SARA had further increased sales for the Tawau-based business. She noted that several essential products under the local brand Magic Cook, including corn flour, tapioca flour, soy sauce, and sauces, have been included in the SARA product list since the initiative was introduced by the government in August last year. Arsiyati emphasized that participation in SARA has greatly supported the company, especially amid the current economic situation, as the increase in sales is evident with customers prioritising products that can be purchased through the programme.

Arsiyati expressed that the initiative provided dual benefits by helping B40 households obtain quality kitchen essentials while supporting the growth of Sabah's local manufacturing sector. She hoped the government would continue SARA and expand the range of local products eligible for redemption to create more growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs.