One-off RM100 SARA Aid Meaningful If Spent Wisely - FOMCA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- The one-off RM100 Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) for every Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above can have a meaningful impact if used wisely.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) chief operating officer Nur Asyikin Aminuddin said the initiative can help ease the people’s burden in purchasing daily essentials.

“The government’s initiative through the MyKasih programme deserves recognition as it offers a wide range of basic goods at prices significantly lower than usual. In addition, the Rahmah Sales programme provides further savings compared to regular retail prices.

“With RM100, people can not only purchase essential goods in larger quantities but also enjoy meaningful savings through the MyKasih programme. This proves that even a relatively small form of assistance can have great value when combined with well-planned government initiatives,” she said in a statement today.

Nur Asyikin added that the RM100 assistance also stimulates the local economy, benefiting not only recipients but also supporting the country’s overall economic cycle.

“For the T20 group or those who feel they do not need this assistance, it is an opportunity to do good. They can use the RM100 to purchase basic goods and donate them to senior citizens’ homes, orphanages, or care centres for persons with disabilities (OKU).

“This assistance should not be taken lightly. It is not merely cash, but a symbol, one that encourages prudent spending, fosters a spirit of solidarity, and represents joint efforts by the government and the people to face the challenges of rising living costs,” she said.

She acknowledged that while the RM100 contribution may not fully resolve the cost-of-living issue, it can still bring about positive effects if wisely utilised.

“This reflects the spirit of Malaysia MADANI that we must embrace, shared prosperity for the nation’s future,” she added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced the one-off RM100 contribution on July 23, to be credited via MyKad under the SARA programme.

He said the grant, provided in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31, serves as an immediate measure to ease living costs and as a gesture of appreciation to the people. The initiative is expected to benefit 22 million citizens with a total allocation of RM2 billion.

Disbursement of the RM100 SARA aid via MyKad will begin tomorrow (Aug 31).

-- BERNAMA