If you’re a Malaysian feeling the pinch from rising costs, you may have been relying on the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash aid this year.

SARA is available until 31 December, offering direct cash assistance of up to RM4,600 per household in 2025, plus a one-off RM100 cash aid for adults aged 18 and above. Even as SARA wraps up, there are other government programmes to help with cash, fuel, healthcare, housing, and more.

Cash Aid Programmes

These programmes provide direct financial support for families on tight budgets or those facing unexpected expenses.

STR Regular Payments
Cash aid is distributed in four phases a year (January, April, August, November), with annual support up to RM4,600, depending on household income and size. 

Bantuan Kanak-Kanak (BKK)
Families with children can receive monthly cash aid:

• RM250 per child under six
  
• RM200 per child aged seven to 18
  
• Up to RM1,000 per family
  

These payments help cover groceries, utilities, school costs, and other daily expenses.

Subsidies And Cost-Saving Programmes

To make essential goods and services more affordable, the government offers targeted support.

Budi Madani RON95
Eligible Malaysians can buy RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, up to 300 litres per month, using their MyKad at petrol stations. Payment options include cash, card, or e-wallet. The scheme is open to anyone with a valid MyKad and driving licence, including learners. It is being reviewed to ensure fairness for e-hailing drivers.

Healthcare

Low-income families can also get help with medical costs.

• Skim Perubatan Madani (SPM): Assists households with medical expenses.
  
• MySalam: Free takaful insurance for B40 households, covering certain illnesses and hospital stays.

Housing

Affordable housing remains a priority for many Malaysians:

• Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR): Low-cost rental and homes
  
• Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR): Support for home ownership
  
• PR1MA Housing: Homes for young working adults, priced between RM100,000 and RM400,000
  

These initiatives help people move into safe, affordable homes.

Support For Persons With Disabilities

Financial aid is available for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs):

• Bantuan OKU Tidak Berupaya Bekerja (BTB): For PwDs unable to work
  
• EPOKU: Monthly allowance for employed PwDs
  

Senior Citizen Support

Bantuan Warga Emas (BWE): Monthly financial aid of RM600 (an increase of RM100 from previous years) provided by JKM to senior citizens aged 60 and above whose household income does not exceed the hardcore poverty line. 

Programmes For Students And Youth

• MyRailLife Pass: Free KTM rides for students and PwDs
• Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP): One-off cash assistance of RM150 per student for Year 1 to Form 6 students to help cover school expenses like uniforms, books, and stationery. All Malaysian students in government schools, government-aided schools, and registered private schools are eligible, regardless of household income.
• Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pelajar Miskin (KWAPM): Financial assistance for poor students managed by the Ministry of Education, with allocation increased to RM180 million in 2025.

Making The Most Of Government Support

Even though SARA ends on 31 December, other initiatives can help Malaysians manage living costs. From cash aid and fuel subsidies to healthcare, housing, and youth support, there are options for almost every household.

Make sure to check your eligibility and have your MyKad ready, as it is needed to access many of these programmes.

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