The government has begun disbursing the first phase of the 2026 Rahmah Cash Assistance (STR) today, with payments of up to RM500 involving an allocation of RM1.1 billion and benefiting 3.7 million households as well as 1.3 million single senior citizens.
Each eligible recipient will receive between RM100 and RM500 under the assistance scheme.
When tabling the 2026 Budget last year, the government announced an increase in allocations for the Rahmah Cash Assistance (STR) and the Rahmah Basic Assistance (SARA) to a combined total of RM15 billion, following the rationalisation of fuel subsidies. Under the revised scheme, families can receive up to RM4,600 in total assistance for the year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said households earning less than RM2,500 per month with five children will receive RM2,200 in STR and RM2,400 in SARA assistance.
He also said that in 2026, about nine million STR recipients nationwide will continue to receive SARA assistance of up to RM100 per month, or RM1,200 annually. Meanwhile, one million STR recipients registered under the eKasih programme will continue to receive RM200 per month, or RM2,400 annually. Single individuals will receive RM600 a year, equivalent to RM50 per month.
