BALING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) Appreciation Aid system, which he said had been running smoothly in recent days without complaints.
Acknowledging that there had been minor glitches during the early stages of implementation, he said that the issues had since been resolved and the system was now operating effectively.
“I checked earlier with seven or eight Sara recipients, and everything appears to be running well. On the first and second days, there were some glitches, but now it is smooth. For the past four or five days, there have been no complaints,” he told reporters after visiting a Sara outreach programme here today.
Anwar said that the initiative was not designed solely for large supermarkets but also included smaller retailers and rural outlets.
“The claim that Sara only benefits major supermarkets is not true. Small outlets are also participating. We are also encouraging more local products, such as Baling coffee, soy sauce from Kuala Kedah and Alor Star, and even those from Kelantan.
“Goods from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also prioritised so that consumers can purchase them through the Sara programme,” he said.
Asked if additional measures were needed, Anwar said that any new policies or assistance would be discussed during the tabling of the national budget in October.
“For now, the system is working well. As for other initiatives or new policies, those will be deliberated in the Budget in October,” he added.
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