For 72-year-old widow, RM100 a month goes a long way

Jamilah Saleh purchases basic necessities with the cash aid she receives every month.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Since her husband died of Covid-19 four years ago, Jamilah Saleh had depended on her five children to survive.

Jamilah, a full-time housewife, had not worked since the day she got married. Now 72 years old, she became dependent on her daughter, who lives with her along with her husband and children.

“The rest have their own families, but they do help (me out).

“But I am also aware that a lot is spent on my grandchildren who are still schooling, so I cannot depend on them (the other children) too much,” Jamilah told FMT.

Details of the SARA disbursement for 2025.

Last year, Jamilah began receiving RM100 from the government every month under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash aid initiative.

She uses the money to purchase daily necessities which helps reduce the financial burden on her children.

Jamilah, who also receives cash aid from Baitulmal, said her monthly expenditure increased after she was diagnosed with breast cancer last June.

The diagnosis meant constant trips to the hospital where she also underwent a mastectomy.

But Jamilah, a resident of the People’s Housing Programme flats in Batu Muda, sleeps well, knowing that she can buy food items such as oil, sugar, milk, eggs, and other necessities every month.

Buying items with SARA, via the MyKad, is easy.

SARA, which is disbursed via MyKads, is an extension of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah initiative. Recipients use their MyKads to purchase essential items at participating supermarkets and retail stores nationwide.

On April 1, the SARA aid initiative was expanded to include 5.4 million recipients. They will receive up to RM2,100 each for the entire year, a 75% increase from RM1,200 last year.

Beneficiaries will now get RM200 a month.

A total of RM13 billion has been allocated for the two aid schemes under the 2025 budget to lighten the burden of people in various categories.

Jamilah said she was relieved that many more supermarkets were participating in the SARA programme.

“It’s really easy, you only need to use your MyKad. Just take what you want and furnish your MyKad. There is no need to fill up any forms.” - FMT