Govt fine-tuning proposal to replace subsidies with MyKad-based social aid

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is reviewing a plan to phase out blanket subsidies in favour of MyKad-based social aid, says Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said the immediate priority, however, was to ensure the smooth rollout of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, which forms the foundation of the government’s shift towards targeted aid...

Health Ministry proposes adding fresh produce to Sara, says Dzulkefly

CYBERJAYA: The Health Ministry will propose to the Cabinet that fruits and fresh produce be included in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) redemption list to promote healthier eating, said Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Health Minister said adding fresh produce to the SARA list would encourage the public to eat more fruits and vegetables. “This could...

Don’t belittle RM100 cash aid under Sara, says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to belittle the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme. The Prime Minister said that while the amount may seem small to high-income earners, it means a lot to rural communities and low-income groups. "(Critics say)...

Distribution of RM13bil Sara cash aid begins tomorrow, highest in history

KUALA LUMPUR: The distribution of the 'Sumbangan Asas Rahmah' (Sara) aid starting Wednesday will see improvements to the targetted aid resulting from the increase in the Budget 2025 allocations for the Sara and 'Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah' (STR) assistance to their highest historical level of RM13bil compared to RM10bil in 2024. The Sara aid will be increased...

2024 marked beginning of Malaysia’s national reform agenda, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described 2024 as a historic year that served as the prelude and foundation for Malaysia's national reform agenda. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said throughout 2024, the government initiated transformative efforts with clear political will, sincere intentions and meticulous evaluation to ensure that policies implemented benefit...

Sara programme begins in stages starting today, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) targeted subsidy programme for this year begins in stages from Monday (Jan 22), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said in a Facebook post that Sara has been improved with the allocation increased more than five-fold to RM700 million compared to RM130 million last...

Sara aid doubled to RM1,200, up from RM600 last year

PETALING JAYA: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash aid for poor households will be doubled to RM1,200 this year, up from RM600 previously, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the RM600 increase is expected to benefit over 700,000 poor and hardcore poor recipients with an allocation of RM700mil compared to last year's total...

Sara aid doubled to RM1,200, up from RM600 last year

PETALING JAYA: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash aid for poor households will be doubled to RM1,200 this year, up from RM600 previously, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the RM600 increase is expected to benefit over 700,000 poor and hardcore poor recipients with an allocation of RM700mil compared to last year's total...