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The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
In dire need of more help
GEORGE TOWN: Some housewives are hoping the government will expand the grocery aid to cover more items and allow larger purchase quantities amid rising living costs. Single mother Fatimah Zahrah Abdul Rahman, 62, said that while the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative is helpful, the choices are limited, especially for large families or households with specific dietary needs. She said the aid cannot be used to buy items such as clothing, electronic goods or entertainment products. 'And there is a limit on the quantity of certain products we can buy. We are a big family and may need more than what's allowed under the initiative. 'Things like fresh vegetables, eggs, infant formula and cooking oil are also getting more expensive,' she said. In a special announcement on Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said to mark Merdeka Day on Aug 31, all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off payment of RM100 through their MyKad under the Sara aid programme. Anwar said the assistance will be available from Aug 31 to Dec 31, and can be spent on essential goods at over 4,100 stores nationwide. Participating retailers include major supermarkets such as Mydin, Lotus's, Econsave and 99Speedmart, as well as retail shops in every district across the country. Housewife Kalah Devi Muniandy, 39, said she is grateful that the RM100 aid is distributed to individuals rather than per household, calling it a fairer approach for families with multiple adult members. 'My husband will also receive it, and that gives us RM200 for our family. 'It might not be much to some, but for us, it can cover at least a week's worth of groceries or help pay for our children's needs. 'Essentials like rice, cooking oil and dairy products have become noticeably more expensive these days,' she said. Auditor Alex Kee, 41, said the RM100 grocery aid is a relief for households grappling with the rising cost of living. 'Nowadays, everything including groceries, has become expensive, so it's good that the government is giving something back to the people. 'Even small assistance can go a long way, especially for families with children or elderly dependents,' he said. Food delivery rider S. Ragu, 25, welcomed the reduction for RON95 fuel for Malaysian citizens, calling it a positive move that directly benefits gig economy workers like himself. 'It's a good idea, and it would be great if the government could maintain it for the long term,' he said. He said fuel is one of his daily expenses, adding that even a small drop in price helps him save more every day. In the special announcement, Anwar also said a targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol will be introduced, and that Malaysians will be eligible for a price of RM1.99 per litre once the subsidy is implemented. The initiative will benefit more than 18 million car and motorcycle users, including youth as young as 16 and gig workers.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Good news – cash aid, cheaper fuel
Govt offering much-needed relief measures to ease living cost of rakyat PETALING JAYA: Malaysians can look forward to a series of measures aimed at easing cost of living, including a one-off RM100 cash aid for those 18 years and above, and cheaper RON95 soon. The cash assistance will be credited directly into their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced these measures in a special announcement aired live on his social media platforms yesterday. Offered in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31, he said the incentives were aimed at easing the rising cost of living and a token of appreciation for the people. 'With this announcement, the combined allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sara rises from RM13bil to RM15bil this year, marking the first time in history that cash aid is extended to all adult Malaysians,' he said. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said this initiative would benefit 22 million Malaysians with an allocation of RM2bil. This assistance, said Anwar, can be used from Aug 31 to Dec 31 this year, to buy essentials at over 4,100 outlets nationwide, including major supermarkets such as Mydin, Lotus's, Econsave, 99Speedmart and participating grocers. 'It will be distributed on individual basis, not by household. So, for example, a household with a husband, wife and two adult children will receive a total of RM400,' he said. Anwar said the cost of living remained a pressing challenge that must be addressed wisely and urgently. He added that while overall inflation in June 2025 dropped to 1.1%, the lowest in 52 months, food and beverage prices continued to rise above the national average. 'There may be some among us who are financially secure and do not need this aid. The government intends to reallocate any unspent funds by year-end towards assistance programmes for vulnerable groups next year,' he added. In a separate statement, the Finance Ministry said collectively, households have the potential to receive a higher amount of Sara credit. 'For example, a family comprising a husband, wife, and two children aged 18 and above would receive a total of RM400, instead of just RM100,' it said. The Sara credit can be used to buy over 90,000 essential items across 14 categories, including rice, egg, household cleaning products, medicine and school supplies. 'The RM100 credit is valid until its expiry date of Dec 31, 2025. 'Any unspent balance will be redistributed to vulnerable groups through a programme to be determined later,' said the ministry. Sara complemented the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative, which provided monthly credits specifically for purchasing basic necessities, it added. The initiative was introduced by the government in its first Madani Budget in 2023 and currently benefits 5.4 million active recipients. 'Both initiatives are a token of appreciation from the government to all Malaysians who continue to support the nation's fiscal reform agenda. 'They also reflect the Madani government's commitment to redistributing the nation's growing wealth, a result of bold fiscal reforms and more efficient economic management, guided by the Madani Economic Framework. Anwar also highlighted that the Jualan Rahmah Madani initiative will be enhanced to assist the public in managing living costs. The government, he added, will double the initiative's allocation from RM300mil to RM600mil. This funding will increase the frequency and expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani to include all 600 state constituencies nationwide, said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister. 'The additional allocation will, among others, increase the frequency and expand the number of locations nationwide, covering all 600 state constituencies,' he said. Anwar also said the price of RON95 petrol will soon be reduced to RM1.99 per litre under a targeted subsidy scheme with further details to be announced by the end of September. The government, he said, was committed to optimising national subsidy spending by ensuring that ordinary Malaysians continued to benefit from subsidies, while curbing leakage to those not eligible. 'Once the targeted RON95 subsidy is implemented, the government will reduce the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre exclusively for Malaysian citizens, while foreign nationals will have to pay the unsubsidised market price.' The initiative, he said, would benefit about 18 million motorists, including youths as young as 16 and gig economy workers. 'In 2023 and 2024 alone, subsidies for RON95 were estimated to cost nearly RM20bil annually. 'Even this year, despite a drop in global oil prices, the unsubsidised price of RON95 remains around RM2.50 per litre, significantly higher than the subsidised rate Malaysians currently enjoy,' he said. He explained that the move aims to ensure that ordinary citizens continued receiving fuel subsidy while leakage to ineligible groups, including foreigners, are addressed. To address the critical need for doctors in hospitals and government healthcare facilities, Anwar also announced that over 4,000 positions for government doctors, including contract medical officers, would be available this year. He confirmed that 4,352 new doctors, including those on contract, would be hired this year. According to projections released in 2023 by Dr Hirman Ismail, deputy director of the Health Ministry's medical development division, the public healthcare sector would require 63,040 doctors by 2025 and 79,931 by 2030. As of last year, there were nearly 52,000 doctors employed in government service.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
One-off RM100 aid for every adult M'sian: PM
PETALING JAYA: In a sweeping move to ease financial pressure on Malaysians and uplift the national spirit ahead of Merdeka and Malaysia Day, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday unveiled a RM2 billion cash aid initiative for all adults, a significant boost in subsidies for essential goods and an additional public holiday. 'In celebration of our National Day, I am pleased to announce that every adult Malaysian will receive RM100 through his MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah scheme,' he said during a special televised address. The one-off aid will benefit 22 million citizens aged 18 and above. It can be utilised between Aug 31 and Dec 31 at over 4,100 participating outlets nationwide, including Mydin, Lotus's, Econsave, 99 Speedmart and select local grocery stores. 'That means a household consisting of a husband, wife and two adult children will receive RM400 in total.' He said with this latest injection, the combined allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah initiatives will increase to RM15 billion from RM13 billion, making it the largest-ever cash assistance programme in Malaysia's history and the first time such aid is being extended to all adult Malaysians. Acknowledging that some recipients may not necessarily need the assistance, Anwar encouraged those in a better financial position to leave the credit unspent. 'For those who choose not to use it, the government intends to channel the unused balance at the end of the year towards programmes that support vulnerable communities next year.' Anwar also announced that the allocation for the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme would be doubled to RM600 million, up from RM300 million this year, enabling the programme to expand both in frequency and geographic reach, covering 600 state constituencies in the country. 'We want the people to have better access to basic necessities at affordable prices, no matter where they live. We will also expand the range of essential items offered, providing the public with more options and better access to basic necessities at lower prices.' The programme is part of the government's broader strategy to make essential goods more affordable for Malaysians and reduce everyday financial strain. Capping the announcements, Anwar declared that Sept 15, which falls on a Monday, will be a public holiday, effectively creating a long weekend for Malaysians to celebrate the formation of the country. 'This holiday is a token of appreciation for the spirit of togetherness that defines our country. It is also a chance for people to reconnect with their roots or travel locally.'
Asia News Network
7 days ago
- Business
- Asia News Network
All adult Malaysians to receive RM100 under Sara programme for Merdeka Day, says PM Anwar
July 23, 2025 PETALING JAYA – In celebration of Merdeka Day on Aug 31, all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off payment of RM100 through their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister stated that this assistance is available for use from Aug 31 until Dec 31, and can be spent on essential goods at over 4,100 stores nationwide. Participating retailers include major supermarkets such as Mydin, Lotus's, Econsave, and 99Speedmart, as well as retail shops in every district across the country. 'The assistance is provided on an individual basis, not by the household. It means, for example, a household consisting of a husband, wife, and two adult children will receive a total of RM400,' Anwar said in announcement on Wednesday (July 23). 'This initiative is set to benefit 22 million Malaysians, with an allocation of RM2bil. 'This means the combined allocation for STR and Sara will increase from RM13bil to RM15bil for 2025 – marking the first time in history that cash assistance is being distributed to all adult citizens,' Anwar added. 'Some among us may have the means and do not need this assistance and the government intends for any unused funds by year-end to be redistributed to vulnerable groups next year,' he said. The Prime Minister also announced that Sept 15 would be a public holiday nationwide for Malaysia Day.
Hype Malaysia
7 days ago
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) PM Anwar Ibrahim Announces RM100 Aid & Declares 15th September As Public Holiday
Ever since Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hinted that he would be making an announcement soon, the public has been eagerly awaiting the news. The anticipation has left many feeling anxious and concerned, unsure whether the announcement will be something to happy over or worry about. However, the Prime Minister reassured citizens that there is nothing to fear, describing the announcement as an 'extraordinary appreciation'. The day has finally arrived, and here are some of the key points he highlighted during his announcement earlier today (Wednesday, 23rd July). Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that every Malaysian aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 cash aid via their MyKad starting from August, under the expanded Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative, in conjunction with Malaysia's Independence Day. He explained that the aid will be distributed on an individual basis, rather than by household. Additionally, the aid can be used between 31st August and 31st December this year to purchase basic necessities at over 4,100 participating outlets across the country, including Mydin, Lotus's, Econsave, and 99 Speedmart. 'This is the first time in history that cash aid is being channelled to all adult Malaysians,' he said during the special televised announcement. As another gesture of appreciation to Malaysians, the Prime Minister declared that 15th September (Monday) will be a public holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day, which falls on 16th September (Tuesday). In other words, Malaysians can look forward to a four-day long weekend that month! As seen in the posters shown, other key points during his announcement include: Rahmah Madani sales expanded Toll rates frozen Price of RON95 petrol will possibly drop to RM1.99 Cheaper electricity for most Watch the full announcement below starting from 19:18: Sources: YouTube, MalayMail, FMT, NST, Twitter
