When PMX Anwar announced the one-off Penghargaan SARA of RM100 to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, a number of people made negative comments about it. Some felt that RM100 was insignificant and was unappreciative. To those who are not struggling with finances, RM100 is ‘nothing’. But to those who struggle to put food on the tables for their families, it is indeed a great help.
Anyway, the one-off RM100 aid which was credited into the MyKad of every Malaysian is truly appreciated by the majority of us. The redemption rates in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak are among the highest nationwide. In Sabah itself, over 98% of the 1.2 million eligible recipients have redeemed their one-off SARA aid.
In Shah Alam, a 22-year-old pastry diploma student has used the RM100 SARA aid to start a dessert business during her semester break. She has used the RM100 to buy ingredients for her "kek batik indulgence."
Another enterprising housewife used her RM100 as seed money for her side business. She used part of the money to buy flour and sardines to make curry puffs for sale. Her pastry has then been aptly called “Azizah’s SARA sardine curry puffs”.
For many households, the initiative has indeed helped in easing their burden in purchasing daily essentials like eggs, rice or cooking oil or stationery needs for their school going kids. Many too have used their RM100 SARA aid to buy groceries to bless others who are in need in various homes or within their own community. In fact, Mydin has also introduced "Kotak Sara Rahmah" — pre-packed boxes of daily essentials worth RM100. This is to enable those in the higher income bracket to donate the boxes to others in need.
I would say that this initiative is also welcomed by shop owners. The programme has boosted the sales in many retail outlets participating in the programme. This in turn has revitalized our economy.
PMX, thank you for this initiative with all Malaysians in mind. May God bless all our leaders with wisdom, courage and strength to always do that which is right.
Sept 2025
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