Kota laksamana: For some, the RM100 received under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) For All cash assistance may seem modest, but in the hands of those who value it, it becomes a lifeline for families struggling to make ends meet. Raziah Ismail, 40, from Kota Laksamana here, turned her donation into an act of kindness, purchasing rice, eggs, oil, sugar, vermicelli, and biscuits to give to a family facing hardship rather than using it for herself.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Raziah explained that she was grateful for the assistance but felt fortunate enough with her income from the private sector and that there were others who needed it more. She expressed her awareness of people around her who still suffer from insufficient resources. Even though they receive the same aid, these items can be kept as extra supplies, especially with Ramadan coming.
Suzana Sulaiman, 30, a fast-food restaurant worker, shared her gratitude for the second SARA For All assistance, emphasizing its timely arrival just ahead of the fasting month. She mentioned that the donation would help her and her four siblings purchase essential items such as rice, oil, and sugar for their mother's home in Bukit Serindit. Suzana highlighted the importance of cooking and breaking their fast at their mother's house during Ramadan.
For 56-year-old Lee Ah Hock from Banda Hilir, the SARA assistance was meaningful, aiding him in purchasing basic necessities in preparation for the Chinese New Year celebrations. He noted that while some may consider RM100 insignificant, for him, it was substantial, allowing him to secure essential items like rice, oil, and eggs.
Joyce Tee, 18, from Bukit Baru, who received SARA For All for the first time, expressed her intention to use the money to buy kitchen essentials and help her mother save on household expenses. Joyce emphasized her desire to ease her mother's burden ahead of Ramadan.
The SARA For All programme provides a one-off RM100 aid credited through MyKad to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, with disbursements starting on February 9. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that about 8.1 million recipients had redeemed the aid as of last Friday, with total spending amounting to nearly RM780 million.