PUTRAJAYA, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- The redemption process for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) has been running smoothly since it was first credited last Monday, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking at the Ministry of Communications' monthly assembly today, Fahmi said that there have been no arising issues, including system accessibility, as the implementing partner, MyKasih, had made thorough preparations.
“SARA can be used until December 31 of this year. Alhamdulillah, it began without any problems. In fact, this time the variety of available products is greater than before, including frozen goods.
“The number of participating outlets has also increased to 10,000 premises, including grocery stores. So, this is good news,” he said.
Fahmi also expressed hope that any feedback regarding the implementation of SARA be channelled immediately so that improvements can be made swiftly through the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
“I hope colleagues at the Ministry of Communications, especially the Information Department and MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) through NADI (National Information Dissemination Centre), will convey this information to the grassroots level. If there are any issues, Insya-Allah, we will ensure the MOF receives that information,” he added.
SARA Untuk Semua began distribution on February 9, involving an allocation of RM2.2 billion and benefiting over 22 million adult Malaysian MyKad holders.
Recipients receive a one-off RM100 payment which can be utilised until December 31, 2026.
The government has also enhanced the purchasing facilities by expanding the product categories to include frozen foods - bringing the total to 15 categories - while targeting 10,000 small retail shops to become SARA Business Partners by the end of the year.
-- BERNAMA
