SHAH ALAM, Jan 15 — Malaysia’s government may revoke financial assistance, including the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), and take legal action against applicants found to have provided false or inaccurate information.
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) said all STR applications are subject to multiple layers of screening and verification involving relevant government agencies to ensure aid reaches only eligible recipients.
The ministry will conduct quarterly reviews covering residential property ownership, vehicle and business records, employment status, and overseas residency to reassess applicants’ eligibility.
“If false or inaccurate information is identified, legal action may be taken,” MOF said in a statement. “The government also reserves the right to withdraw any assistance that has been approved in cases of non-compliance.”
The statement followed claims circulating on social media that an individual had qualified for STR despite earning rental income from six properties, allegedly exceeding the programme’s income threshold.
To reduce the risk of eligible recipients being excluded, MOF said new applications and appeals for STR are open throughout the year via the official portal.
Information on payment status and frequently asked questions for the Rahmah Basic Assistance (SARA) programme is available on a separate government website.
Eligibility for STR is determined by income thresholds, in line with the government’s social assistance framework, which emphasises rigorous screening and cross-agency data verification.
For new applicants, annual assessments also include asset ownership and related records to ensure assistance is targeted at those most in need.
In a related development, MOF said disbursement for STR Phase 1 in 2026 will begin on January 20, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his 2026 New Year address.
An allocation of RM1.1 billion has been set aside for the first phase, benefiting 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses. Eligible recipients will receive between RM100 and RM500, depending on category.
The MADANI government has also restructured STR and SARA payments this year to improve the effectiveness and continuity of cost-of-living support, with total allocations reaching RM15 billion — the largest such allocation in Malaysia’s federal government history.
