More than 12.5 million Malaysians have benefited from the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) untuk Semua programme, with over RM1 billion spent on essential items in just three weeks.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the initiative reflects how disciplined national financial management allows savings to be channelled directly to citizens. “Leakages are plugged, governance is streamlined, and the saved revenue is returned to the people,” he said, adding that it ensures fair distribution of resources across households nationwide.
The Ministry of Finance reported that sales on the programme’s first day this year reached RM97 million, almost double last year’s RM50.7 million. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan noted that system improvements now allow over 11,000 transactions per minute, up from 3,782 previously, ensuring smooth operations without delays.
The programme uses MyKad for efficient and orderly redemption. So far, 56% of the RM100 credit has been spent on basic necessities, with the remaining balance valid until December 31. Redemption rates are highest in Sabah at 70%, followed by Perlis at 65%, Kelantan and Labuan at 64%, Terengganu and Kedah at 63%, Sarawak at 62%, and Pahang at 60%.
The SARA initiative not only eases cost-of-living pressures but also boosts local economic activity. Over 4,400 small retail shops have joined the SARA Business Partner network, bringing the total number of participating outlets to more than 11,300. By the end of the year, the government plans to increase small retail partners to 10,000, raising total premises to 20,000 and reducing the average distance to SARA-accepting outlets from 10 kilometres to roughly seven kilometres for easier public access.
