BUKIT MERTAJAM: Two weeks after the launch of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, its implementation is running smoothly with no reported issues.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said he had received positive feedback from both traders and customers regarding the programme’s operation.
Fahmi, who is in the state for a three-day working visit ahead of the national-level Malaysia Day celebration on Tuesday, took the opportunity to visit several locations, including Pasaraya SH Bistari, to personally observe the Sara programme in action.
“The owner of Pasaraya SH Bistari informed me that around 150 to 200 people visit daily to redeem items under the Sara programme, and there have been no issues.
“The labels are very clear, and stock levels are sufficient. I saw that there is plenty of rice, and the egg supply is more than adequate. Overall, I find the implementation of the Sara programme here very satisfactory.
“I also spoke to several customers, who expressed their appreciation for this initiative,” he told reporters following his visit to Pasaraya SH Bistari in Kubang Semang today.
Elaborating further, Fahmi said that the use of MyKad for distributing aid under programmes like Sara was highly appropriate, as it prevents misuse or misdirection to unintended recipients.
“In Malaysia, MyKad holders are the rightful recipients themselves, so there are no issues in that regard.
“I see this as highly effective, and we anticipate that future programmes, including the implementation of RON95 at RM1.99 per litre for Malaysians, will also benefit from the use of MyKad,” he added.
It was previously reported that the one-off RM100 Sara assistance, which began on Aug 31, initially faced technical problems at supermarkets nationwide.
The Finance Ministry (MoF) has assured that continuous improvements are being made to the Sara system to handle rising user traffic, particularly during long weekends and ahead of the Malaysia Day celebrations.
When asked about the current redemption rate among Sara recipients, Fahmi said the cabinet had not yet received the latest figures.
He said that he would request the MoF to issue a statement.
“However, we know that in the first week, redemption numbers were very positive, and many of the initial issues have largely been resolved.
“There has been no disruption to the system. From what I observed earlier, the programme is running smoothly with no problems. Overall, it is looking very, very good,” he added.
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