TAWAU: The issue of overlapping claims, including possible misuse of MyKad to redeem items under the Basic Contribution Programme (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, Sara), will be carefully examined by the Cabinet.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter would be discussed after receiving a report from the Ministry of Finance, including exploring the best ways to address it.
“Sometimes, what I have witnessed is a mother bringing her child’s MyKad, or a married couple where one spouse uses the other’s MyKad to redeem goods.
“Usually, the cashiers are instructed to verify the identity of the individual and ensure the MyKad presented matches... This will be reviewed together with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Domestic Trade (KPDN),” he said.
Fahmi made the remarks after visiting the Sara Programme at Pasaraya Gemilang, Jalan Kuhara, Sunday.
He was responding to reports of such incidents in Semporna and Tawau on Sept. 5 and 2, where MyKad owners found their vouchers had already been redeemed by others, each worth around RM98.65 and RM98.60, respectively.
Meanwhile, he said the government would review the best mechanisms to ensure sufficient supply of essential goods at all outlets participating in the Sara programme.
This issue will be raised at the Cabinet meeting next week following public complaints about shortages of certain items, especially rice, which reportedly runs out quickly at several locations.
Based on his visit to Pasaraya Gemilang, Fahmi noted a high demand for items such as rice, causing stocks to deplete rapidly.
“There is still rice available, but it’s not local rice. I will inform the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) so that measures to increase supply can be pursued,” he said.
Additionally, he said the number of outlets participating in Sara would be increased to offer more choices to recipients, especially in rural areas.
“In Merotai, for example, there are only two locations to redeem Sara products. I have requested this to be reviewed.
“The programme initially started with over 2,000 outlets but has now increased to more than 7,300. I believe this number can be further increased,” he added.
Fahmi also stressed the need to provide complete information to cashiers, particularly on immediate actions to take if the MyKasih system experiences disruptions.
