A DAP MP has suggested that the government establish a fast track for small and medium enterprises and small traders to register and join the MyKasih platform, boosting local economic growth.
Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching) said several business owners who had submitted their registration requests to MyKasih recently voiced their frustration over the lengthy registration process.
“Under the MyKasih platform, recipients of the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid are able to make purchases only at stores registered with the MyKasih system.
“However, most of the stores registered under the system are large supermarket chains, while many local grocery stores and small traders are still awaiting approval or hindered by a complicated registration process,” he said during the debate of the 2026 supply bill at the committee stage for the finance ministry.
Yii claimed some small traders had reported a drop in sales of up to 60% since the implementation of the SARA programme.
“Many traders submitted their registration applications to the MyKasih Foundation as early as June this year, but have yet to receive any approval or updates.
“As a result, they have not been provided with the necessary point-of-sale terminals and barcode scanners, leaving them unable to accept payments from SARA recipients,” he said.
Fellow MP Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong) also suggested that hawkers licensed by local councils, as well as MyKiosk participants, be allowed to apply to join the MyKasih platform.
“They can raise their incomes and spend their money in the local economy.
“This is different from giving more businesses and money to (chains like) 99 Speedmart, who will share their profits with their shareholders, who are already rich. Money will not be circulating in local economies,” she said.
The MyKasih platform, designed to support lower-income households, is managed by the MyKasih Foundation, a local NGO working closely with the government to deliver assistance.
Through MyKasih, aid such as SARA is distributed directly to the recipient using their MyKad. Instead of cash, the aid is credited digitally and can be used at participating stores to buy approved essential items such as food, hygiene products and medicine.
