PM’s Announcement Wins Praise, Exceeds Expectations

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of a one-off RM100 cash assistance for Malaysians aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative is seen as exceeding expectations, particularly for individuals who were previously ineligible for the aid.

In KEDAH, housewife Syazwani Ahmad, 32, from Simpang Empat, described the initiative as proof of the government’s concern for all groups of people, regardless of their previous eligibility status.

“I truly didn’t expect this announcement. I’m thankful that my husband also received the assistance this time, which allows us to stock up on essentials for the next two months. I hope this initiative will continue for everyone in the future to help ease the growing burden on the people,” she said.

Her sentiment was echoed by Mazidah Hashim, 29, from Tobiar, Pendang, who was delighted to receive the aid for the first time.

“Alhamdulillah, even though it’s one-off assistance, it is still good news. I can use my MyKad to redeem kitchen essentials together with my husband,” said the housewife.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, civil servant Muhd Nazim Mohamad, 33, welcomed the assistance, saying it was very helpful in easing daily financial pressures.

“Previously, only my wife received the aid... but this time, I also received it. It’s truly a relief as I can now purchase essential items,” he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his special announcement for Malaysians, said that the one-off aid, given in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31, is an immediate initiative by the government to ease the cost-of-living burden. The initiative will benefit 22 million Malaysians through an allocation of RM2 billion.

Anwar added that the total allocation for SARA and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) has increased from RM13 billion to RM15 billion this year, marking the first time in history that cash assistance has been extended to all adult Malaysians.

In TERENGGANU, the initiative was met with gratitude by locals, including Nur Natasya Nadiah Mohd Hamdan, 20, a restaurant worker from Kampung Tapah, Hulu Terengganu, who said the assistance would help her family cut down on kitchen expenses.

“My father is self-employed, and my mother is a homemaker. I am the eldest of five siblings, with four younger brothers and sisters still in school. Alhamdulillah, with this assistance, I can buy household groceries while my father's income can be saved for my siblings’ school expenses,” she said when met at Dapur Rafflesia, Kampung Tapah.

Similarly, Muhammad Firdaus Rino, 27, from PERAK, said the cash aid would be spent on essential items such as diapers and baby formula.

“This aid helps ease our burden, especially since I spend around RM300 a month on children’s necessities,” he said.

Meanwhile, in PERLIS, petty trader Muhammad Khairul Azim Insomuddin, 29, from Tambun Tulang near Arau, said the RM100 assistance reflects the central government's commitment and effort to support the people.

In KELANTAN, a public university student, Aqilah Mat Nor, 22, said the SARA assistance is highly meaningful for students like her who manage their own daily expenses on campus.

“It can be used to buy bread, eggs or even laundry detergent for a month. For students like us, even a little help brings great relief,” she said.

In PAHANG, Kolej Poly Tech MARA Kuantan’s student Daniel Faiz Mohd Amir, 20, said the initiative is especially helpful for students and singles.

“I live with eight friends in a rented house. When all of us receive this SARA aid, it really helps us buy essentials like instant noodles, biscuits and other necessities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA