Kuala lumpur: A total of RM3.66 billion has been spent by 98 percent of monthly recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid across the country to purchase basic necessities using their MyKad up until yesterday (Nov 3). Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan shared this information during the debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 at the policy level for the Ministry of Finance in the Dewan Rakyat.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, during the same period, 100 percent of aid recipients in the states of Perlis, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah made purchases of basic necessities through SARA. Amir Hamzah further reported that for the one-off SARA Appreciation recipients of RM100, more than 18.3 million people or 83 percent have successfully benefited, involving a total cost of RM1.69 billion.

The government is committed to ensuring that the additional revenue savings from the national fiscal reform are returned to the people, particularly to ease the cost of living. The SARA initiative also supports small traders, private sundry shops, and cooperative stores.

Amir Hamzah highlighted that as of Nov 3, the initiative has successfully involved over 8,700 SARA Partner Retailers, including approximately 2,500 small sundry shops nationwide. This marks a significant increase compared to 700 SARA Partner Retailers, including 180 small sundry shops, last year. Among the cooperatives that have become SARA Partner Retailers are Coop Mart, Koperasi Penjara Berhad, Koperasi FELCRA, and Koperasi FELDA Sungai Koyan 2.