Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong says RM2.4 billion is allocated for Q1 2026 STR payments, with Phase 2 advanced for Aidilfitri
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM2.4 billion for the first quarter 2026 payment of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid.
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong stated this in the Dewan Negara today.
He said the government has so far channelled Phase 1 STR payments to eligible recipients with an allocation of RM1.1 billion.
This is to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.
In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement today, Phase 2 STR payments will be advanced and disbursed in stages starting tomorrow.
“This Phase 2 payment will be enjoyed by more than five million recipients ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration,” he said.
He was responding to a question from Senator Roderick Wong Siew Lead.
Wong had asked about the current status of STR recipients and reasons for rejected applications.
Liew said more than eight million eligible recipients have been recorded for STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid this year.
The total payment value for this is RM15 billion.
However, this number is expected to rise to nearly nine million recipients in 2026.
This follows the opening of new application processes, appeals, and updates conducted throughout the year.
“Among the main reasons for rejected applications identified include the applicant being deceased, income exceeding eligibility requirements, having a record with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), and marital status requiring verification,” said Liew.
As such, he said the government is cooperating with over 80 agencies.
These include the National Registration Department, SSM, the Accountant General’s Department, State Treasuries, and the Retirement Trust Fund.
The cooperation is to ensure a more accurate aid distribution process.
