MyKad Eases Access To SARA Aid, Brings Relief To Longhouse Residents

By Muhammad Ammar Shafiq Hamzah

SERIAN, Aug 4 (Bernama) — Longhouse residents deep in Sarawak’s interior are breathing a sigh of relief as they can now access the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid directly using their MyKad at nearby grocery shops — without having to travel to town or deal with cumbersome procedures. 

Besides saving time and cost, the approach ensures the government’s targeted aid reaches those in need directly and without delay.

Tuai rumah (longhouse head) of Kampung Reah Baru Longhouse, Guang Latip, 69, said previously, the residents had to travel 35 kilometres to Serian town just to withdraw the aid.

“In the past, it was quite difficult to claim the aid because we had to go to the bank, but now it’s very convenient as we just use our MyKad and can go directly to the shop to buy food and daily essentials,” he told Bernama.

He said the system was more efficient, particularly given Sarawak’s vast geography and its large number of communities living in remote areas.

Guang said all 78 families in the longhouse, which was built in 2011, including nearby residents, are eligible to receive SARA aid this year.

Meanwhile, aid recipient Minang Dawi, 43, a housewife with three young children, expressed gratitude, saying the method has made things much easier for her.

“I don’t have to leave my children behind just to claim the aid in town. Now I can use my MyKad directly to buy milk, rice and groceries,” she said.

She hoped the government would consider the number of family members when determining the amount of aid, rather than basing it solely on household income.

For Madlein Ngaran, 52, the aid has been a great help as she lives alone in the longhouse.

“When the aid can be used just with MyKad verification, I can manage my grocery needs on my own without depending on my children,” she said.

The SARA programme is a targeted cash initiative that has now been expanded to 5.4 million recipients, covering 700,000 existing eKasih recipients and 4.7 million Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients.

Under Budget 2025, allocations for STR and SARA have been increased to RM13 billion from RM10 billion previously, with the annual SARA aid raised to RM2,100 from RM1,200 last year.

The initiative is part of the MADANI Economy framework, which focuses on empowering low-income households through fair opportunities, better living standards and comprehensive social protection.

In conjunction with National Day, the government has also announced a one-off payment of RM100 to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the SARA programme.

The initiative is expected to benefit 22 million people, involving an additional RM2 billion, bringing this year’s total allocation for STR and SARA to RM15 billion – the highest in the nation’s history.

As of July 29, a total of 4,500 registered retail outlets nationwide have joined the SARA programme, offering over 90,000 essential items in 14 categories including rice, eggs, medicines, hygiene products, school supplies and personal care items.

— BERNAMA

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