KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- The increase in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), or basic Rahmah contribution initiative, to RM200 per month, which takes effect this month, has been eagerly anticipated by its 5.4 million recipients - especially those with families.
For Rozanawati Mat Salleh, 38, a housewife in Ulu Tiram, Johor, the higher aid amount has eased the financial burden of supporting a family of six, including two school-going children.
“With the increase in assistance to RM200 a month, we are now able to buy more kitchen essentials, even if it only lasts about two weeks.
“So, my husband’s salary as a lorry driver can go towards our children’s school expenses,” she said when contacted by Bernama.
This year, the MADANI government has raised the total SARA assistance to RM2,100 for households categorised as poor and hardcore poor in the eKasih database - an increase from RM1,200 last year.
SARA assistance of RM100 per month was credited to recipients’ MyKad, from January to March this year. Beginning April 1, the rate was increased to RM200 monthly, benefiting 5.4 million recipients—an almost eightfold rise from the previous 700,000.
In addition to SARA, the second phase of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) was disbursed, starting March 24, reaching 8.5 million recipients. This represents 60 per cent of Malaysian adults, with assistance of up to RM650.
For single mother, Nurul Adila Izhar, 31, from Jelutong, Penang, the STR assistance has significantly impacted how she manages her family’s daily expenses.
“I use the aid for three main purposes, and it has really helped me cover our basic needs - buying kitchen essentials, paying for my child’s education, and ensuring that we have nutritious food, as well as covering daily costs like transport and utility bills,” said Nurul Adila, who is raising her child alone, following the death of her husband.
Another recipient, Syamim Mansor, 29, from Shah Alam, Selangor, said that the assistance has helped ease the cost of caring for her young child.
“I use the money to buy diapers and formula milk for my baby,” said the private sector employee.
-- BERNAMA
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