Kuala Lumpur: A total of 8.8 million recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) will receive their Phase 4 STR 2025 payments starting tomorrow, ahead of the Deepavali celebration. This early distribution comes earlier than the originally scheduled date in mid-November.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced that for this phase, the government has allocated RM2 billion, with payment rates of up to RM700, depending on the recipient's category. The payment plan also accounts for 200,000 new applicants approved for STR Phase 4, with their disbursements commencing on November 13.

The MOF noted an increase in the number of recipients for Phase 4, growing by 500,000 individuals and households to 8.8 million from the 8.3 million recorded in Phase 1 in January 2025. This increase follows the MADANI Government's policy to accept new applications and appeals throughout the year.

Further, the MOF stated that the MADANI Government will continue to keep registration for STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) 2026 open year-round, allowing more Malaysians to access the assistance programmes.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that financial assistance from the nation's revenue distribution benefits all levels of society. 'It is hoped that the distribution of STR 2025 Phase 4 will provide some financial relief ahead of the Deepavali celebration,' he said.

During the Fourth MADANI Budget presentation on October 10, Anwar announced that the total allocation for STR and SARA will reach RM15 billion in 2026. For existing recipients, their data will be automatically integrated into the government database for a review of STR and SARA 2026 eligibility, based on set criteria. This approach aims to reduce exclusion risks and ensure that government assistance reaches the intended target groups.