Govt moots QR-based SARA payments at tamu, farmers’ markets

 The finance ministry says the total number of SARA business partners nationwide stood at more than 13,700 as of July 15.

The finance ministry is looking into allowing SARA recipients to use their credit to purchase goods at open-air markets or farmers’ markets. (Wikipedia pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

The government is studying the possibility of allowing Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) recipients to use their credit through QR code payments at open-air markets (tamus) and farmers’ markets, with a decision expected to be announced under Budget 2027.

The finance ministry said the government had increased the number of small retailers taking part as SARA business partners to more than 6,000 premises, bringing the total number of SARA business partners nationwide to more than 13,700 as of July 15.

“At the same time, 140,000 products or goods can be purchased through SARA.

“If a SARA business partner is also a vendor at tamu or farmers’ markets, SARA recipients can use their SARA credit to purchase eligible SARA-category goods,” it said in a written reply in the Dewan Negara.

It was responding to a question from Larry anak Asap on expanding SARA spending to tamu markets to benefit hawkers and small traders. - FMT