KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the government will increase the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance soon, a move aimed at easing the burden of Malaysians grappling with rising living costs.
Addressing a Pakatan Harapan campaign rally in Negeri Sembilan, Anwar said the decision was made after listening to public concerns, despite the government already rolling out various forms of aid.
“We have provided STR and SARA, and in Negeri Sembilan Datuk Seri Aminuddin has given a substantial bonus to civil servants. But have all the problems been resolved? Not yet. That is why we have listened to the people’s concerns and, Insya-Allah, we will further increase SARA for everyone in the near future,” he declared.
The Prime Minister stressed that the Madani Government is committed to reviewing and expanding assistance schemes, including STR and SARA, depending on the country’s economic capacity.
Discussions with Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican are ongoing, with adjustments expected to be considered in the upcoming Budget.
SARA, introduced under the Rahmah framework, is a targeted cash aid programme designed to help low-income households manage essential daily expenses such as food, utilities, and necessities.
It complements the broader Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) scheme, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive sustained support.
Together, STR and SARA form the backbone of the government’s social protection drive, reflecting its pledge to reduce inequality and safeguard the rakyat’s welfare. – July 23, 2026