Kuala lumpur: Recipients of the monthly Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance, which continues this year, began receiving their payments today, providing relief to more low-income households amid rising living costs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, several improvements have been introduced to expand the benefits of the assistance this year, significantly increasing its distribution. The aid now covers 8.1 million people with a total allocation of RM8 billion, compared to 5.4 million recipients and RM5 billion allocated last year.
The aid distribution, conducted in stages, began today, with payments first credited to household recipients and senior citizens without spouses. The distribution will extend to 3.1 million single individuals on January 16.
A nationwide check by Bernama found that aid recipients have been visiting selected supermarkets since this morning to utilize credit amounts ranging from RM50 to RM200, depending on their approved category, to purchase essential items.
In Terengganu, residents in rural areas of Dungun expressed gratitude, describing the monthly SARA assistance as timely in easing the cost of living for low-income groups, particularly rural households. Azhar Ibrahim from Kampung Besol Lama, Bukit Besi, highlighted the meaningful help the aid has provided in covering kitchen essentials.
In Sarawak, housewife Dora Nyandang mentioned the benefits of the assistance for housewives like her to purchase essential items such as rice and eggs. She expressed surprise and gratitude upon discovering RM100 added to her MyKad at a supermarket in Kuching.
In Kedah, Norazimah Wahab from Taman Desa Impian near Padang Terap expressed gratitude for the government's continued aid, which has helped manage kitchen expenses after spending savings on school preparations for her children.
In Selangor, many believe the monthly SARA assistance can help single and low-income earners manage living costs. Aishah Mohd Mustapha, a clerk in Shah Alam, described the assistance as a lifeline for her family.
In Kelantan, Nor Hazirah Ismail noted the aid's help with kitchen expenses after spending on school supplies for her children. Similarly, in Sabah, Erdy Irawan highlighted the importance of the support for purchasing essentials amid uncertain income.
In Perak, recipients in Batu Gajah queued early at a supermarket, with housewife Hasirah Abd Mutalib expressing relief at being able to buy kitchen essentials. In Perlis, Abdul Ghani Saad noted the aid's help in managing daily expenses.
In Johor, the rollout of the aid was warmly welcomed, with recipients using the MyKasih facility to purchase staples. A. Sasmitha, a supermarket assistant supervisor, noted the team's efforts to ensure smooth transactions.
In Pahang, Nur Izzatul Hamizah Mohammad Rostam, a sundry shop owner, praised the MyKasih system for facilitating trader registration and transactions without affecting business operations. She mentioned the quick refund claim process as beneficial.
In Negeri Sembilan, Lim Chai Hee expressed hope for an increase in aid amounts amid rising living costs. Fakhruddin Mohd Azman, owner of Pasar Mini Azman, highlighted preparations made to meet local demand for SARA items.