With photos by L. Manimaran
IPOH: The government is open to expanding the shops and goods eligible under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cashless assistance programme.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said the move reflected the administration’s commitment to listening to public feedback and implementing improvements where necessary.
“I want to assure the public that this is a listening government. Just as we considered suggestions regarding items exempted from the Sales and Service Tax (SST) and made subsequent adjustments, we will adopt the same approach for Sara,” he said.
Muhammad Kamil was speaking at a press conference following the launch of the Kita Anak Malaysia Carnival at Mydin Mall, Meru, here today.
He was responding to calls for the RM100 monthly aid to be distributed in cash so that it could be spent at rural sundry shops, or for the programme’s duration to be extended.
He added that the Finance Ministry would review proposals to widen the selection of participating shops and goods eligible for Sara payments, with announcements to follow once the study is complete.
“I believe the proposal to expand the list of shops and goods under the Sara programme will be given due consideration and thoroughly reviewed by the Finance Ministry before a decision is announced,” he said.
The one-time Sara Appreciation Aid, which began on Aug 31 and is distributed via MyKad, benefits 22 million people with an allocation of RM2 billion.
Sara is provided to all citizens aged 18 and above, regardless of whether they fall under the B40, M40, or T20 categories, and can be redeemed cashlessly at selected supermarkets using their MyKad.
According to the Finance Ministry, the RM100 credit remains valid until Dec 31 and can be used at over 7,300 registered retail outlets nationwide.
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