PUTRAJAYA: Starting Jan 15, the government will distribute its Rahmah Basic Assistance (SARA) monthly via the MyKad to 700,000 recipients, expanding its coverage to include Sabah and Sarawak.
The SARA assistance rate has been raised, with poor and hardcore poor households registered under eKasih now set to receive RM2,100 in 2025, up from RM1,200 in 2024.
According to a media statement from the Ministry of Finance, from January to March 2025, RM100 will be credited monthly to recipients’ MyKad, increasing to RM200 per month starting in April 2025.
The new, standardised mechanism replaces the cash disbursement paid out twice a year to SARA recipients living in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan last year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said SARA redistributes additional revenue and savings from subsidies to assist those in need, and the disbursement through MyKad is targeted to ensure the poor receive basic necessities, including essential food.
“Upholding the principles of equity and humanity embodied in the Madani Economic framework, this restructuring of government finances ensures that its benefits reach the majority of the people.
“The Madani government is committed to utilising cutting-edge digital technology to ensure assistance is distributed in a manner that is easily understood and accessible to the public,” he said.
The 2025 Budget provides a record RM13 billion for Rahmah Cash Assistance (STR) and SARA, an increase from RM10 billion last year.
The SARA 2025 programme will benefit various recipient categories with specific assistance amounts.
For households registered under both STR and eKasih, 700,000 recipients are eligible to receive RM2,100 annually, with RM100 disbursed monthly from January to March 2025, increasing to RM200 per month from April to December.
Elderly individuals without spouses under STR and eKasih are eligible for RM1,650 annually, receiving RM100 per month from January to March, which increases to RM150 per month from April onwards.
Singles under STR and eKasih will receive RM600 annually, with RM50 disbursed monthly throughout the year.
Additionally, households under STR only, totaling 4.7 million recipients, are eligible for RM900 annually, with RM100 disbursed monthly starting April.
Elderly individuals without spouses under STR only will receive RM450 annually.
