KUALA LUMPUR: In a bid to alleviate the economic strain faced by low-income Malaysians, the government has introduced the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative, which will assist 700,000 individuals across the country.
Starting tomorrow, the programme aims to provide direct financial aid through MyKad to help those facing economic hardship, enabling them to purchase essential goods.
This initiative is part of the government's ongoing commitment to improving the well-being of citizens, particularly those in vulnerable groups, by making necessary goods more accessible.
Through Sara, eligible recipients can buy key items such as food staples, household products, hygiene essentials, health-related goods, and school supplies – all aimed at easing the financial burden faced by families.
For those who qualify, the aid will be credited directly to their MyKad, allowing a seamless and hassle-free shopping experience. This means eligible Malaysians won't need to go through complicated procedures or paperwork—it's as simple as using their MyKad in participating stores.
Who is eligible for Sara aid?
To be eligible for Sara assistance, individuals must be Malaysian citizens and reside in Peninsular Malaysia, and their monthly income should not exceed RM5,000.
Additionally, recipients should either be part of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) 2025 scheme—which includes households, singles, or senior citizens without spouses—or registered as Hardcore Poor or Poor in the eKasih database maintained by the Prime Minister's Department.
How do you check your eligibility?
Those listed in the eKasih database can log into the MyKasih portal (https://app.mykasih.net/sara2/checkstatus). Once there, just enter your 12-digit MyKad number and the Captcha code displayed on the page. A quick check will confirm whether you qualify.
For recipients of the STR 2025, the process is equally straightforward. Visit the MySTR portal (https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my), enter your MyKad number along with your security keyword and password, and you'll quickly learn your eligibility and payment details.
How to use the Sara aid?
Once approved, using the Sara aid is as simple as swiping your MyKad at any participating store.
The aid is designated for essential goods, covering 13 key categories, including food staples like rice, flour, cooking oil, and eggs; canned and packaged goods; cooking ingredients such as salt, sugar, and seasonings; hygiene and cleaning products; health supplies like over-the-counter medicines; and school supplies for children.
Recipients can use their MyKad to purchase these essential items at participating supermarkets and retail stores nationwide.
The stores vary by state, with well-known chains such as Econsave, Giant, Lotus, Lulu Hypermarket, Mydin, and Pak Grocer available in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
No matter where you are in Malaysia, eligible recipients can easily access these MyKasih-certified stores to buy necessary items using their Sara aid.
Steps to use the MyKad for purchases:
To make your purchase, you can choose from the shelves stocked with approved products clearly labelled with the MyKasih tag.
At the cashier, simply present your MyKad for verification. The cashier will scan each item, and once everything is ready, you will need to enter your 6-digit PIN to confirm the transaction.
It's fast, secure, and efficient, allowing you to buy what you need without any hassle. After your purchase, remember to keep the receipt—it's always a good idea to have it for future verification.