KOTA BHARU, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The one-off RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) appreciation aid, redeemable until Dec 31, is providing tangible relief for low-income households, even as critics question its modest scale.
For those with limited means, this payment is far from trivial. The RM100 sum, combined with the ongoing monthly SARA aid, forms a crucial financial buffer, helping to alleviate the acute pressures of rising living costs and seasonal year-end expenses.
Single mother Nor Rizan Muhamad, 48, from Kampung Padang Bongor, told Bernama that the RM100 payment has had a tangible impact on her family's finances.
"Although the sum isn't large, it is a real help. I used to budget around RM200 for necessities, but with this aid, it is now half the amount," she said.
Nor Rizan explained that this saving allows her to redirect funds to other, more pressing needs, thereby easing the constant financial strain she faces.
Meanwhile, another recipient, 52-year-old Sukamal Rajib, described the SARA aid as an unexpected windfall, even though it is a one-off payment, and expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue in the future.
He said the aid is a big help, particularly for low-income groups and those affected by the current economic pressures.
“I hope this assistance continues and keeps up with the cost of living. A sincere thank you to the MADANI Government for taking care of the people’s welfare," he said.
On Dec 18, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang, and the Federal Territory of Labuan recorded an average SARA uptake rate of nearly 100 percent.
He said the government has not faced major challenges in implementing SARA thus far, despite involving over 20 million consumer transactions.
-- BERNAMA
