The federal government will expand the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) monthly aid to Sabah and Sarawak starting January 15, 2025, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the scheme targets 700,000 households from the B40 group and those classified as poor or hardcore poor under the eKasih database.

“These recipients will receive RM2,100 in aid for 2025, an increase from RM1,200 this year,” he said, noting that payments will be credited directly to the recipients’ MyKad.

The aid will be distributed as follows:

January to March 2025: RM100 monthly

April to December 2025: RM200 monthly

Previously, the scheme only covered Peninsular Malaysia, but next year’s rollout will ensure uniform distribution across all states.

“The increased aid reflects the government’s commitment to reducing the cost of living for vulnerable communities,” Anwar added. – January 14, 2025.

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