KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — The RM2 billion Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) payout scheduled for November has been brought forward to October 18 in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
Anwar said the move will benefit nearly nine million recipients, as part of the government’s continued efforts to ease the financial burden of the people.
“For STR, payments up to Phase 3 have been made, amounting to RM6 billion.
“I am pleased to announce that, in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration by the Indian community, the STR Phase 4 payment, originally scheduled for November and worth RM2 billion, will be brought forward and distributed starting October 18,” he said while tabling the Budget in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar pointed out that the government has allocated a total of RM13 billion for the STR and Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sara) this year alone.
The prime minister further announced that the government has approved a 50 per cent toll discount for two days in conjunction with Deepavali.
Hindus in Malaysia will celebrate Deepavali on October 20.
