Just two days after the government expanded the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme to include frozen food items, supermarkets and selected grocery stores reported empty shelves as sausages, nuggets, and meatballs flew off the racks.
TikTok user DonNa posted a video showing the cleared frozen food sections, as SARA recipients quickly used their RM100 credit—loaded onto MyKad for Malaysians aged 18 and above—to stock up on convenient meals.
Many shoppers welcomed the change, highlighting the benefits for low-income households. Nur Aisyah said frozen food is easier to store and lasts longer than fresh chicken or fish. “Since sausages and nuggets can now be bought with SARA, I grabbed them immediately. My kids love it, and it’s convenient to cook,” she shared.
Other users echoed the sentiment. @honeybreath wrote, “I am craving nuggets, and Alhamdulilah, I can buy them for my children. Hopefully, the outlets will restock soon.” Meanwhile, @matchalahh noted that many Econsave stores were crowded, with freezers left empty.
Some recipients used their SARA credit to buy items like Greek yogurt, which they normally avoid due to cost, according to @NinjaTuna.
Many shoppers said their purchases were also in preparation for upcoming festivities. Asyikin explained, “Chinese families are stocking up for the New Year, while Malay households are preparing for Ramadan. Nuggets and sausages make quick sahur meals—easy for mothers and enjoyable for children.”
The inclusion of frozen foods under SARA has clearly proven popular, offering low-income families convenience and flexibility in meal planning ahead of the festive season.
