In conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration next Monday, the Malaysian government will begin disbursing the Phase 4 Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid starting tomorrow (Oct 18) — nearly a month earlier than scheduled.
According to the Finance Ministry, the payout, originally set for mid-November, will benefit 8.8 million recipients nationwide, with a total allocation of RM2 billion. Each eligible household will receive up to RM700, depending on their category.
More recipients after year-round applications
The ministry added that 200,000 newly approved applicants will receive their payments starting November 13, and that registration for the 2026 STR and SARA programmes will remain open year-round to ensure more Malaysians can benefit.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in the same statement that the government remains committed to ensuring that aid distribution — which forms part of the national surplus allocation — truly benefits Malaysians from all walks of life.
We hope the disbursement of the 2025 Phase 4 STR will provide some financial relief to the people ahead of the Deepavali celebration,” he said.
Recipients can check their status and payment details via the official STR website: https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my.
