Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians not to look down on the government’s recent decision to give a one-off RM100 cash aid to all citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme.
Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s gathering today, Anwar said that while RM100 may seem like a small amount to high-income earners, it means a lot to lower-income families.
Some people say, ‘Only RM100?’ That’s because you earn RM20,000 or RM40,000 a month. But go to the rural areas, and you’ll see how much it matters,” he said.
He went on to give an example:
If a low-income household has two children aged 18 and above, both parents and the children would each receive RM100, totaling RM400. Combined with existing STR and SARA aid, the family could receive up to RM700.
If they currently have RM300 and we add another RM400, that’s RM700. That’s not small. So please, don’t belittle it. Don’t ask, ‘What can RM100 even buy?’”
What is the RM100 aid about?
On Wednesday, Anwar announced the RM100 one-off cash aid to all adult Malaysians through their MyKad under the SARA programme.
This marks the first time in Malaysian history that cash assistance will be provided to all adult citizens, regardless of income level.
The initiative is aimed at easing the rising cost of living and is part of the government’s immediate efforts to support Malaysians amid economic challenges.
