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THE government has increased funding for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programmes to RM16 billion in 2027, from RM15 billion this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all STR recipients would receive monthly SARA assistance of up to RM150, amounting to RM1,800 a year, under the measures announced in Budget 2027.
The assistance is expected to benefit up to nine million people.
Separately, all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive RM100 in SARA aid on two occasions — ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and the 70th anniversary of Merdeka.
Anwar said the measure would benefit up to 13 million Malaysians, including those in the M40 income group.
“The government will also allow SARA credits to be used to buy fresh produce at 216 farmers’ markets and tamu markets operated by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority nationwide,” he told the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon.
Anwar said the government aimed to expand the programme’s reach by increasing the number of participating small grocery shops to 10,000 by the end of this year. - October 9, 2026
