The government may increase allocations for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance programmes if the country’s economic position continues to strengthen.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had discussed the matter with the Treasury Secretary-General to assess the government’s ability to provide additional aid for the people.
“I have discussed this and called the Treasury Secretary-General yesterday to look into whether we can increase SARA assistance.
“If the economic situation allows, I think we will consider increasing allocations to help the people in the upcoming Budget,” he said during the Madani Kita Bersama Komuniti Tambun programme at Dewan Komuniti Taman Perpaduan, Tambun on Sunday.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said any increase in assistance would take into account the ongoing cost-of-living pressures faced by Malaysians despite reductions in certain expenses such as fuel prices.
He said some essential goods remained affected by external factors, including imported items such as onions, where price fluctuations overseas could impact local consumers.
“Sometimes even when fuel prices decrease, the prices of goods are still difficult to control. For example, onions are largely imported from India, so when prices increase, it affects the people,” he said.
The Tambun Member of Parliament also announced that the government would expand the Jualan Rahmah programme to help Malaysians purchase essential goods at more affordable prices.
Anwar said efforts would be made to increase the programme’s reach, particularly in Perak and Tambun, to ease the burden on households facing rising living costs.
Meanwhile, Anwar praised the role played by the Malaysia Civil Defence Volunteer Corps (Rela), saying the organisation not only contributes to security efforts but also provides support to communities at the grassroots level.
He added that the government had previously approved RM3 million in allocations for welfare assistance, including repair works for homes belonging to Rela members who are living in poor conditions.
“The allocation of RM3 million will continue this year for the welfare of Rela members who need assistance,” he said.
