KUALA LUMPUR: Recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme said it has helped them cope with rising living costs by fostering financial discipline and encouraging home-cooked meals.
For 23-year-old Muhammad Azrul Afizi Azman, who works in Genting, the monthly assistance provides a significant boost to his efforts to remain thrifty.
He said the aid has simplified his daily life and financial management.
“This aid allows me to save on both food and my overall expenses.
“I used to set aside RM50 to RM100 specifically for food, but now that pressure is reduced. Instead of spending money at restaurants, I can use the Sara assistance to buy groceries and cook in my room,” he said when met at a supermarket today.
He said the programme’s structure makes it easier for him to manage life away from home.
“Since I am always trying to cut down on my monthly expenses, being able to purchase kitchen essentials using the credit linked to my identification card is very convenient. It helps me stay disciplined with my budget,” he said.
Azrul was at the supermarket to utilise the RM50 monthly assistance provided under the Sara initiative to restock his supplies.
Meanwhile, Jonathan How Yuen Pin viewed the government aid as a consistent reminder to prioritise home cooking over dining out.
“I used the RM100 from the previous Sara distribution to buy basic necessities like rice and noodles.
“These are the items I rely on, especially when I make an effort to cook at home. The aid serves as a great incentive to avoid eating out too often.
“I plan to use the latest disbursement for the same purpose,” said the 32-year-old music teacher.
He lauded the government’s decision to use the MyKad as the primary channel for distributing the aid.
“It is a very effective system because it ensures that Malaysians are prioritised. Using our IDs for the aid is a great idea,” he said.
Similarly, Harshini Vinesh, 22, said the aid has brought her relief amid rising living costs.
“When I received this Sara aid, I felt relieved as it gave me breathing space to cope with the increasing cost of living and allowed me to focus on my studies,” she said.
She added that the aid reduces daily financial stress and allows her to buy essentials without fully relying on her family.
“The aid helps with food, as I can buy rice, eggs and bread to ensure proper daily nutrition.
“I also bought 5kg of rice and a tray of eggs today. I can also purchase soap, shampoo, toothpaste and household items like detergent and floor cleaner,” she said.
In Kelantan, youths described the disbursement of Sara today as good news and a “windfall,” with many saying they were eager to spend the money on daily necessities.
Mohd Amin Alwi said the RM50 assistance he received came at the right time.
“This aid is very helpful for people like me. I plan to use it for daily expenses,” said the 24-year-old self-employed man.
Eligible single adults under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, aged 21 to 59, receive monthly payments under two categories: RM50 for those earning RM2,500 or less per month, and RM100 for those with similar incomes who are also listed as eKasih recipients.
Eligibility and payment details can be checked via the official Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) portal on the Inland Revenue Board website or at www.mykasih.com.my.
The aid is credited directly to the MyKad, not bank accounts, and can only be used to buy essential goods at participating outlets nationwide.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
