Latest news with #BasicRahmahContribution
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM100 SARA aid benefits poor, says Ramanan
BUTTERWORTH: The RM100 Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) aid for Malaysians aged 18 and above should not be politicised, as it provides crucial support for the poor, said Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri He criticised those who belittle the assistance, stating that RM100 holds significant value for low-income earners. 'For the T20 group, RM100 may seem insignificant, but for the B40 community, it can buy essential groceries like rice and chicken,' Ramanan told reporters after attending the PENN 2.0 Special Fund Financing briefing here. He urged empathy towards the struggles of the underprivileged, especially amid economic difficulties. 'If a government initiative is good, acknowledge it. Do not undermine its impact,' he added. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced several measures, including the one-off RM100 SARA aid, delayed toll hikes, and reduced RON95 petrol subsidies at RM1.99 per litre. Ramanan also highlighted the government's broader approach to uplifting the Indian community, moving beyond reliance on MITRA. Initiatives like the PENN fund, now doubled to RM100 million, and RM50 million Vanigham Financing for Indian entrepreneurs aim to boost economic participation. As of this month, RM417 million has been allocated for Indian community empowerment programmes. Earlier, 22 individuals received RM932,000 in financing under schemes like PENN, SPUMI, and BRIEF-i. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
RM100 Cash Aid To Have RM3 Bln Retail Injection, Boost Consumption
BUSINESS By Siti Radziah Hamzah KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The targeted fiscal measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday are anticipated to enhance near-term consumption, especially for essential goods and household items, according to Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB). In its research note, Kenanga IB said among the fiscal measures, the one-off RM100 cash aid to every Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above, which would be disbursed on an individual basis rather than per household, was widening the consumption impact. 'We maintain a neutral stance on the consumer sector following the government's surprise RM100 cash aid announcement under the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA) programme, which marks the first cash aid for all adult citizens in Malaysia and could temporarily boost near-term spending ahead of the year-end festive season,' it added. While the scale is smaller than previous stimulus rounds, Kenanga IB noted that mass-market retailers such as MR DIY, AEON, and Padini might see a modest uplift, supported by seasonal momentum and improved sentiment. It added that additional cost-of-living measures, including a 3.0 per cent cut in the RON95 fuel price, toll hike suspension, and an expanded Jualan Rahmah MADANI programme, would further ease pressure on consumers. 'All in, we estimate about RM3 billion retail injection, comprising RM2.2 billion from the new RM100 cash aid, RM300 million from Rahmah MADANI sales and RM500 million in toll savings,' Kenanga IB said. The investment bank noted that although the RM100 aid was restricted to essential items, the increase in disposable income might still lead to spillover spending and consumers were likely to reallocate some of their usual budget toward discretionary purchases. 'The impact is likely to be more meaningful for the B40 group, where RM100 represents about 4.0 per cent of monthly household disposable income, compared to 2.0 per cent for M40 and 1.0 per cent for T20,' it added.
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RM100 Sara aid brings relief for housewife
PADANG BESAR: While RM100 may not seem like a lot to many, it has become a vital source of financial support for Nursyafiqah Sobri, 31. Each month, the housewife from Bukit Keteri uses RM30 from the RM100 Basic Rahmah Contribution (Sara) assistance received by her husband to buy ingredients for making traditional kuih that she sells to shops near her home. "Alhamdulillah, my husband receives the Sara aid. Although it is only RM100 a month, it helps ease our family's financial burden. "Every month, I use RM30 to buy flour for making kuih, with the rest on essentials like rice." Nursyafiqah, who has two children aged 6 and 11, sells kuih such as cucur badak, keria and popia. Although her home-based kuih business brings in just RM50 to RM80 a week, she said she was grateful that the modest earnings could ease her husband's burden. "Some days, the kuih sell out and other days, they don't. But at least there's still some income." She said her husband, a security guard earning RM1,700 a month, remained the family's pillar of strength. The couple also care for their elderly parents who live with them. Nursyafiqah said the Sara assistance was a timely and much-needed initiative by the government, providing meaningful relief to families. The monthly aid, she said, was something they looked forward to. "I hope that the government will consider increasing the monthly Sara assistance from time to time as the prices of essential goods continue to rise." Under the 2025 Budget, the annual Sara assistance was increased to RM2,100 from RM1,200 previously. To boost public convenience, the government has expanded the range of goods eligible for purchase under the Sara programme to 14 categories. The number of registered participating retail outlets and supermarkets has also grown significantly, rising from 700 last year to over 4,100 premises nationwide as of this month.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia's Q2 2025 economic growth hits 4.5% under MADANI reforms
KUALA LUMPUR: The projected 4.5% economic growth for the second quarter of 2025 highlights the success of the Madani Government's reform agenda, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He attributed the positive outlook to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership in revitalising the economy and improving public welfare. Nga stated, 'Despite increasingly challenging global pressures, steady domestic demand along with growing consumer and investor confidence reflect the effectiveness of the government's approach.' The Department of Statistics Malaysia's preliminary estimates show an improvement from the 4.4% growth recorded in the previous quarter. The construction sector is leading the expansion with an expected 11.0% growth, fuelled by non-residential and housing projects. Meanwhile, the services sector is forecast to grow by 5.3%, up from 5.0%, while manufacturing recorded a 3.8% increase. Nga credited domestic demand for the strong performance, supported by government initiatives such as the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA), Cash Rahmah Contribution (STR), and higher minimum wages. 'These measures have boosted income and purchasing power,' he said. However, he cautioned that external risks like global trade tensions and tariff wars remain concerns. 'The Madani Government remains committed to ensuring inclusive economic growth and the well-being of all Malaysians,' he added. Nga also welcomed Bank Negara Malaysia's decision to lower the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 2.75%, calling it a proactive move to support economic activity, particularly in real estate. - Bernama
Barnama
21-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Projected Economic Growth Of 4.5 % For Second Quarter Proves Of MADANI Govt's Reform Efforts
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The projected national economic growth of 4.5 per cent for the second quarter of 2025 is a testament to the effectiveness of the MADANI Government's reform efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, particularly in revitalising the economy and enhancing the well-being of the people. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the projection signals that the government's comprehensive, people-centred fiscal policies are beginning to yield tangible, positive outcomes. "Despite increasingly challenging global pressures, steady domestic demand along with growing consumer and investor confidence reflect the effectiveness of the government's approach," he said in a statement today. The Department of Statistics Malaysia recently announced that the national economy is projected to expand by 4.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 based on preliminary estimates, surpassing the increase of 4.4 per cent in the previous quarter. According to Nga, the construction sector is reported to show robust performance with an expected growth rate of 11.0 per cent, driven primarily by non-residential and housing development projects. Meanwhile, he said the services sector is expected to grow by 5.3 per cent, up from 5.0 per cent in the previous quarter, while the manufacturing sector recorded a growth of 3.8 per cent. Nga said the overall growth expectation was driven by domestic demand, strengthened through various initiatives of the MADANI Government, including the implementation of the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA), Cash Rahmah Contribution (STR) and the increase in the minimum wage, which has helped increase the income and purchasing power of the people. 'However, the MADANI Government continues to be vigilant with external risks such as global trade tensions and the ongoing tariff war. 'The MADANI Government remains committed to ensuring inclusive economic growth and the well-being of all segments of the people is always guaranteed,' he said.
