Over 3.9 Million Use MyKad for Essentials Under Expanded SARA Programme: Anwar Ibrahim
Petaling Jaya, The Gulf Observer: More than 3.9 million Malaysians have used their MyKad to purchase essential goods under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme as of April, marking 72% of the total 5.4 million eligible recipients who have benefited within the first month of credit disbursement, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, announced that the government has expanded the list of eligible product categories under the SARA programme from its original scope to now include 14 categories. These additions comprise a broader range of basic food items, personal hygiene products, over-the-counter medicines, school supplies, and—starting today—household cleaning products such as laundry, dishwashing, and floor detergents.
“The expansion of the eligible product categories under SARA is a result of feedback received from the majority of recipients. The government will act accordingly to swiftly implement it,” Anwar said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuously enhance the programme in response to public needs.
The number of participating retail outlets under the SARA initiative has also seen a significant increase, rising from 700 in 2024 to over 3,700 nationwide in 2025. Anwar noted that this expansion aims to ensure better access to SARA-registered stores for eligible recipients, especially in remote and underserved areas.
As of April 29, the highest usage rates of MyKad-linked SARA purchases were recorded in Sabah (84%), followed by Perlis (82%), Kedah (80%), Labuan (79%), and Kelantan (78%).
For 2025, the maximum SARA amount allocated per eligible individual has been raised to RM2,100, representing a 75% increase from the RM1,200 ceiling set in 2024. Recipients can utilise their monthly credits throughout the year, with any unused credit carried forward to subsequent months until December 31.
The SARA programme forms a critical component of the government’s broader social assistance framework aimed at alleviating the financial burden of low-income households and ensuring access to essential goods and services.
