The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, which includes a one-off RM100 assistance in conjunction with the National Day, has helped revive small retail businesses in rural and interior areas, according to participants of the initiative.
Warisan Daily Mart manager Tan Jern Ai said her three branches in Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat experienced a rise in customers after the public began redeeming goods using the aid credited into their MyKad since Aug 31.
“The SARA aid helps businesses as customers come to shop, supporting small retailers like us who are registered with MyKasih.
“However, I hope the programme can be improved, such as increasing the system capacity and expanding the range of redeemable items,” she told FMT.
Tasnim Trading owner Nik Mohd Zamri Nik Abdullah said SARA had dual benefits as it helped both consumers and small traders like him.
The trader from Jeli, Kelantan, said the selection of more outlets in rural and interior areas made it easier for residents to redeem goods without having to travel to town.
“It’s convenient for them to buy items… And at the same time we see higher sales – a win-win situation.
“In the beginning, the system was not stable, but now everything is running smoothly,” he said.
On July 23, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a one-off RM100 aid distribution for all Malaysians aged 18 and above under the SARA programme.
The RM2 billion cash aid, distributed through MyKad, will benefit 22 million citizens.
Purchases made using the credit via MyKad are limited to essential goods across 14 selected product categories.
The RM100 SARA credit can be used until Dec 31 at more than 7,300 registered retail outlets nationwide.
