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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the implementation of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid programme is now operating smoothly, with no complaints reported in recent days.
Speaking during a walkabout at the SARA Outreach Programme at the People’s Economic Supermarket in Kupang, in Kedah on Saturday, Anwar said minor technical glitches experienced during the early days of the rollout had been swiftly resolved.
“I observed not just one, but seven or eight SARA recipients earlier. Everything appeared to be running smoothly,” he said. “There were some minor glitches on the first and second day, but over the past four or five days, not a single complaint has been received.”
Anwar, who also holds the Finance Ministry portfolio, stressed that SARA was not limited to large supermarket chains, but extended to small retailers and rural grocers as well.
“Claims that SARA benefits only large supermarkets are simply not true,” he said. “It includes smaller outlets too. We’re now encouraging more local products to be featured — Baling coffee, soy sauce from Kuala Kedah and Alor Setar, and items from Kelantan. Goods from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are being promoted so consumers can access them through the programme.”
Asked whether further improvements to the system were needed, Anwar stated that any new policies or enhancements would be considered during the upcoming national budget deliberations in October.
“So far, the system is functioning well. Any other measures or policies will be discussed in the October Budget,” he said.
Previously, the Finance Ministry assured the public that enhancements to the SARA system were being implemented daily, particularly to manage increased user activity during weekends and festive seasons. MyKasih, the platform provider, had introduced capacity upgrades and improved damage-monitoring protocols to tackle initial issues.
Global Admiration for Malaysia’s Social Aid Model
Anwar also shared that international leaders, including those from ASEAN, had expressed admiration for Malaysia’s comprehensive social aid initiatives such as SARA and the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), calling them extraordinary and difficult to match.
“People talk about i-SARA, and some scoff at it, forgetting that it’s on top of SARA and STR. We’ve allocated RM15 billion to support nine million citizens,” he said during the closing of the Madani Rakyat programme at Baling District Council.
“When I speak with foreign leaders, especially from ASEAN, they admit they are unable to implement anything comparable.”
According to Anwar, Vietnam’s Prime Minister had expressed amazement that Malaysia could provide such large-scale assistance, noting that Vietnam could only afford to allocate roughly RM50 per person.
“These initiatives not only help ease the cost of living, but they’ve also become a reference point for neighbouring countries,” Anwar said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of the poor.
“My hope is that our colleagues understand this. Do not engage in corruption, do not steal from the people. We must safeguard the future of our citizens, ensure peace in the country, and maintain a strong economy.”
He added that public leaders must understand their responsibilities and avoid any abuse of power.
“The government has channelled RM15 billion so far, including the latest SARA assistance. Where did this money come from? From strategic investments, such as in Kulim Hi-Tech Park and industrial zones nationwide.”
“To be a leader, one must bear the responsibility. We do not take this lightly, and we will do our utmost to assist the rakyat.”
As Malaysia continues to post encouraging economic indicators and attract increased investments, Anwar said the administration remains focused on ensuring equitable development.
“The real measure of a nation’s success is how prosperity is distributed and how well it guarantees comfort for its people — especially those in remote and rural areas,” he said. “Under the MADANI government, we remain committed to regional and rural development, especially through direct assistance to the people.”
Malaysia to Continue Peacekeeping Role at Thai-Cambodian Border
In a related development, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining peace in the Thailand-Cambodia border region, following recent tensions between the two ASEAN neighbours.
As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia continues to play a proactive role in ensuring regional stability, Anwar said during the MADANI Rakyat event in Baling.
“When I first assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship, I declared that this region was one of the most peaceful in the world. However, tensions have recently emerged,” he noted. “Though we are not at war, there have been isolated incidents at the Thai-Cambodian border. Fortunately, the situation remains under control, and both countries have agreed to peace through ASEAN collaboration.”
Anwar said the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) are monitoring the situation closely, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Malaysia holds the mandate to help mediate and prevent escalation.
“There was an incident yesterday morning where a shot was fired at the border. It only takes one person to fire for the situation to spiral. Our Foreign Ministry and Chief of Defence Forces immediately contacted their counterparts to investigate, and thankfully, it was a misfire — no serious injuries occurred.”
Tensions between Thai and Cambodian forces escalated in July over disputed border territory, with both sides blaming one another. However, Anwar announced that Malaysia had intervened and successfully brokered a ceasefire, allowing dialogue to proceed.
Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to regional diplomacy and humanitarian aid underlines its leadership role in ASEAN as it balances domestic welfare with broader peacekeeping responsibilities. - Sept 6, 2025