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SENATOR Roderick Wong Siew raised a question in the Dewan Negara today regarding the primary reasons why recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) who were previously approved had been rejected this year, and the immediate steps taken to ensure eligible citizens are not left out.
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong responded that the STR, together with the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), represents a key government commitment to strengthening the social safety net.
“In 2026, 15 billion ringgit has been allocated for STR and SARA, compared with 10 billion ringgit in 2024, benefiting more than eight million recipients.
“The SARA programme, in particular, provides targeted support to help citizens manage rising living costs,” he stated.
He added that payments under STR Phase 1, amounting to up to 500 ringgit per eligible recipient, have been disbursed with a total allocation of 1.1 billion ringgit, aiding a large number of Malaysians in coping with the increasing cost of living.
In line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement earlier, STR Phase 2, with an allocation of 1.3 billion ringgit, will be brought forward and paid in stages from 10 March 2026, reaching more than five million recipients ahead of Aidilfitri celebrations.
The total provision for the first quarter of 2026 therefore amounts to 2.4 billion ringgit.
The Minister noted that over eight million recipients have been registered for STR and SARA in 2026, and this figure is expected to rise to nearly nine million as new applications, appeals, and updates are processed throughout the year.
“Among the main reasons for application rejections identified this year are the death of the applicant, income exceeding eligibility limits, existing SSM records, and marital status requiring verification,” he explained.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuously monitor and ensure that cash aid programmes are effectively delivered to those in need to address the ongoing challenges of the rising cost of living. - March 9, 2026
