Sarawakians Welcome SARA To Ease Living Costs And Aid Ramadan Preparations

KUCHING, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Recipients of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) in Sarawak say the federal government’s initiative has been highly helpful in easing living costs and supporting preparations for the upcoming Ramadan.

A Bernama survey found that SARA recipients are using the aid to purchase essential groceries such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, flour, coconut milk, and other basic ingredients. 

Iqbal Hassan Hussain, 34, a gig worker from Batu Kawa, said he would use the assistance to buy essential ingredients for simple iftar and sahur meals for his family during Ramadan.

“Although it’s not a large sum, this month I received RM200 through the monthly SARA and SARA for All programs. It means a lot as it allows me to celebrate the season calmly and modestly with my family,” said Iqbal, who is single. 

For Azahar Dot, 47, the assistance is used to purchase groceries, including frozen foods, particularly to prepare for Ramadan amid rising living costs.

He expressed deep appreciation for the government’s SARA initiative, saying it provides relief and helps ensure his family’s daily needs are met.

For Brauselton Mcqariem Usah, 36, a primary school teacher in Ulu Baram, Miri, the assistance is seen as a gesture of care and recognition by the government for all segments of society.

“Although the sum is not large, it still provides significant relief, particularly for those serving in rural areas where transportation and goods are more expensive than in the city,” he said.

Today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the SARA programme has been expanded to include frozen foods. 

The SARA for All initiative, providing a one-time RM100 assistance and the monthly RM100 SARA payment via MyKad to Malaysians aged 18 and above, will be rolled out starting today.

-- BERNAMA