The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme now has over 10,447 business partner shops, a massive increase from 700 in 2024, with growth set to continue.
KUALA LUMPUR: Business partners under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme have increased to 10,447 shops nationwide.
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said the figure, recorded as of January 26, marks a massive rise from just 700 partners in 2024.
He said this network will continue to grow to include supermarkets, grocery stores, cooperative shops and mini markets in urban, rural and remote areas.
The government is continuously reviewing the requirements to become a SARA business partner.
This effort ensures local grocery stores and small traders are directly involved, aligning with the Prime Minister’s 2026 New Year address.
“So far, many applications have been received and the government is expediting every application in line with the two-week targeted approval period,” Liew said during a Dewan Rakyat session.
He was responding to a query from Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH–Sibu) on the MyKasih Shop approval process and eligibility criteria.
The requirement states that more than 70% of goods sold must be basic necessities.
For Sarawak alone, 1,096 premises have registered as SARA business partners.
Liew added that the government intends to improve the criteria and requirements for becoming a partner.
“The government is also prepared to listen and relax existing requirements or criteria if there is a strong justification,” he said.
