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DAILY enforcement checks are being carried out across Kelantan by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to deter unjustified price hikes and ensure the integrity of consumer subsidy programmes.
State director Azman Ismail confirmed that no complaints had been received so far regarding price increases linked to the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) or MyKasih aid programmes.
"Our enforcement and monitoring teams are on the ground every day. To date, no complaints have been lodged concerning price increases through SARA and MyKasih," said Azman.
He added that officers continue to remain vigilant to ensure traders comply with regulations designed to protect the welfare of consumers.
Recent inspections revealed that recipients of the aid schemes—largely housewives—began arriving at participating outlets from as early as 9am to make purchases.
SARA, launched on 31 August, is a nationwide cashless assistance programme enabling all Malaysians aged 18 and above, regardless of income bracket, to purchase essential goods. Each eligible individual receives RM100 in credit through their *MyKad*, which can be redeemed at over 7,300 participating outlets until 31 December.
Within just six days of its rollout, SARA recorded RM536.9 million in spending by 8.3 million users, with the total expenditure rising to RM642 million nationwide within the first week.
Meanwhile, MyKasih—a welfare distribution initiative established in 2009 by the non-profit MyKasih Foundation—continues to support low-income households with monthly allowances for essential food items such as rice, cooking oil, eggs and noodles. Transactions are processed via a chip-based system embedded in recipients’ MyKad or smartcard at registered retail outlets.
To date, the programme has reached more than six million families and students nationwide, disbursing nearly RM1.5 billion in aid.
Officials have urged beneficiaries to report any suspected price manipulation or misconduct by traders to the authorities. - Sept 8, 2025