Gopeng: The disbursement of the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) since Monday has not only provided relief to recipients but also heightened their joy as they prepare for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration next week.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, housewife Nurul Fadzilawati Kamaruddin, 35, from Gopeng, said the RM500 STR payment came just in time to buy new clothes and shoes for her three children, aged between eight and 13. Her husband, Nor Hazman Ibrahim, 42, a mechanic, contributed an additional RM500 to ensure their family could celebrate the festive season comfortably.

For Nor Hanis Hashim, 34, from Kampar, STR meant her four children, aged between one month and 16 years, could look forward to new Raya outfits. She mentioned that the assistance was a significant relief, allowing her children to receive new Baju Melayu or Baju Kurung. The family plans to stretch the money further by seeking promotional deals.

The government initiated the second phase of STR payments on Monday, allocating RM1.7 billion, an increase from RM1.5 billion last year. Nearly nine million recipients will receive up to RM650 in assistance based on their respective categories, as noted by the Finance Ministry.