KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — The latest data showed that over 8.5 million Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) recipients have been registered, and RM4 billion in cash aid were disbursed through the initiative’s Phase 1 and 2 payments, said the Finance Ministry (MOF).
The ministry highlighted that two more STR payment phases are scheduled for August and November this year.
“The government has increased the allocation for STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) to a record high of RM13 billion, up from RM10 billion.
“This increase continues to benefit nine million recipients, equivalent to 60 per cent of Malaysia’s adult population,” the MOF said in a written reply posted on the Parliament’s website today.
The ministry was responding to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (Harapan-Kota Melaka) regarding the total financial allocation disbursed in 2024 for Sara.
Regarding Sara, MOF said that as of July 14, more than 4.9 million recipients have used their MyKad to purchase basic goods at participating stores.
It said the purchases reflect an overall usage rate of 92 per cent in the fourth month of credit disbursement.
“A total of 5.4 million recipients have been registered, with an annual Sara entitlement amounting to RM5 billion. The number of Sara recipients also significantly increased from 700,000 to 5.4 million from April 2025,” it said.
MOF added that the government remains committed and is continuously monitoring the situation to ensure cash aid programmes are effectively delivered to those in need and facing cost-of-living challenges.
— Bernama
