Sara aid distribution begins today, expanded to include frozen food

 

PUTRAJAYA: The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, which begins on Monday (Feb 9), has been expanded to include frozen food items, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the latest phase of Sara will also involve more than 10,000 stores nationwide.

“The government has agreed to expand the category of Sara products to include frozen food,” he said.

“The involvement of grocery stores has also been increased to 10,000 by the end of the year, while the programme’s accessibility will be improved by reducing the maximum distance to participating Sara outlets to within 7km, compared with 10km currently,” Anwar added.

He was speaking at the monthly assembly of staff from the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (National Unity) on Monday morning.

Anwar said the Sara aid is funded through savings from the government’s fiscal reforms.

“This is the outcome of fiscal reforms that have generated savings, and these savings can be redistributed for the benefit of all Malaysians,” he said.

From Feb 9 to Dec 31, 2026, 22 million Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above will receive RM100 credited to their MyKad, Anwar said.

He said the assistance can be used to purchase essential items at more than 10,000 participating grocery shops and supermarkets across all districts nationwide.

Anwar reminded the public that the assistance is provided on an individual basis, not to households.

“This aid is given individually, not per household. This means that, for example, a household with a husband and wife and two adult children would receive RM400,” he said.

He expressed hope that the assistance would be used prudently, especially as Malaysians prepare for Chinese New Year and as Muslims begin the fasting month of Ramadan. - Star