Over 25,000 Pulau Bum Bum Residents Gain Access to SARA Services

Pulau bum bum: The presence of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) business partners on Pulau Bum Bum has brought essential benefits to over 25,000 residents eligible for basic assistance. The Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, announced that Koperasi Anugerah Hj Badli is now the 33rd SARA Business Partner in the Semporna district and the sole provider on the island.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, previously, residents of Pulau Bum Bum faced the challenge of traveling by boat to the Semporna mainland to obtain their SARA goods. Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan highlighted the government's initiative to alleviate these difficulties by establishing SARA business partners directly on the island. He emphasized that the aim is to bring assistance closer to the people and ensure that geographical barriers do not prevent residents from accessing government aid.

During his visit to the island, Amir Hamzah reiterated the government's commitment to identifying areas with limited access to essential services, ensuring that SARA benefits are readily available to all eligible individuals. He stated that the government's approach extends beyond providing assistance, focusing on making aid practical and beneficial for the community.

Amir Hamzah also discussed plans to expand SARA's implementation to other populated island areas in Sabah. He mentioned that collaboration with the Mykasih Foundation allows for potential business partners to join the SARA system, provided they meet eligibility criteria and adhere to SARA's standards, including the use of barcodes.

The visit to Pulau Bum Bum was part of a routine inspection to monitor the development of SARA nationwide. Amir Hamzah emphasized the importance of visiting less frequented locations to ensure the widespread use of SARA, particularly in regions like Sabah.