A total of 22 million MyKad holders are eligible to receive Sara Assistance (Basic Rahmah Contribution) of RM100, which can be checked starting today via the official SARA portal.
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced in a statement that the assistance will be given automatically to all citizens aged 18 and above or born in 2007 and before, without the need for any new registration or application.
Payments will be credited directly to the recipient's MyKad starting August 31, in conjunction with the National Day celebration, and can be used until December 31, 2025 at more than 7,300 registered retail stores nationwide.
Among the items that can be purchased include rice, eggs, hygiene items, medicines, school supplies and personal care products.
MOF also advised the public to be wary of fraud syndicates, as no third party has been appointed to manage the distribution of these funds. He said that the remaining unused assistance until the end of the year will be channeled back to the vulnerable groups through the next government program.
With the implementation of this initiative, the total allocation for STR and Sara in 2025 will increase to RM15 billion, an increase of almost 50% compared to RM10 billion in 2024.
