The government has announced a one-off RM100 cash aid for all adult citizens under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to help ease the rising cost of living and serves as a token of appreciation in conjunction with the 2025 National Day celebrations.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this financial aid, including who is eligible, how to use it, and where you can spend it.

Who is Eligible for the RM100 SARA Aid?

The eligibility criteria for this one-off assistance are straightforward and universal. You are eligible if you are a Malaysian citizen, aged 18 and above, and hold a valid MyKad.

There are no income requirements or other conditions. This means the aid is for everyone, including students, young adults, retirees, and individuals from all income groups. A key feature of this programme is its automatic nature; you do not need to submit an application to receive the funds.

How Does The SARA Aid Work?

The RM100 aid will be credited directly to your MyKad, which will function as a cashless payment tool. The funds will be available for use from 31 August 2025 until 31 December 2025.

Any balance you do not spend in one month will automatically roll over to the next. However, the entire credit will expire after the 31 December deadline. Any unused funds will be returned to the government to be channelled into future assistance programmes for vulnerable groups.

How To Use Your RM100 SARA Credit In-Store

Using the SARA aid is a simple cashless process at the checkout counter. Here are the steps to follow:

First, select your approved essential items at a participating store. When you are at the payment counter, inform the cashier you wish to use your SARA credit and present your MyKad.

If you are using the MyKasih system for the first time, you will be required to set a new, secure 6-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) during your first transaction. At the payment counter, the cashier will scan your MyKad using a special card reader to check your balance. You will then be prompted to enter and confirm your new PIN to authorise the payment. After the transaction, remember to keep the receipt, as it will display your purchase details and your remaining SARA balance.

What Can You Buy With The SARA Aid?

The government has specified that the SARA credit is for purchasing essential household goods across 14 approved categories. These categories include a wide range of items such as rice, bread, noodles, eggs, cooking oil, and flour. You can also purchase beverages, canned goods, personal hygiene products like soap and toothpaste, and over-the-counter medicines. Following public feedback, the list was expanded to include household cleaning supplies, such as laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid, and school supplies.

It is important to note that the credit cannot be used for non-essential items like alcohol, cigarettes, or snacks.

Where Can You Shop?

You can use the SARA aid at more than 4,100 participating retail outlets across Malaysia. The network includes major national hypermarkets, supermarkets, and local neighbourhood shops.

Major participating retailers include 99 Speedmart, Econsave, Giant and Giant Mini, HeroMarket, Lotus’s Stores, Mydin, Pacific, The Store, and TF Value Mart.

For a complete and up-to-date list of all participating stores in your area, you can visit the official MyKasih merchant list portal.

Manage Your Aid with the MyKasih App

To help you manage your SARA credit, the implementing partner, MyKasih Foundation, offers a free mobile application. The MyKasih app is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

The app allows you to check your real-time balance, find nearby participating merchants, and view the full list of approved item categories. A particularly useful feature is the built-in barcode scanner, which lets you check if an item is eligible for purchase before you even get to the checkout counter. The app also includes a feature to reset your PIN if you forget it.

What If Your MyKad Is Damaged?

The entire SARA payment system depends on a functional microchip in your MyKad. If your card is damaged, you will not be able to access the RM100 aid until you get a replacement from the National Registration Department (NRD).

Signs of a damaged card include payment terminals being unable to read it, visible cracks or scratches, or if the card is over 10 years old. If you suspect your MyKad is damaged, you can apply for a replacement at an NRD office or online through the MyKad Replacement for Damaged Card portal.

Stay Alert: How to Avoid SARA Scams

The Ministry of Finance has issued warnings about scams related to the SARA aid circulating on social media. The most common scam falsely claims that you need to apply for the aid and directs you to a fake website to steal your personal information.

Remember, the one-off RM100 SARA aid is automatic, and no application is required. Never click on suspicious links or provide personal details like your bank account number or password.

SARA vs STR: What’s The Difference?

It is helpful to understand that this one-off RM100 SARA payment is distinct from other government assistance programmes. While this aid is universal for all adults, the government also runs ongoing, targeted programmes like the regular SARA and the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme.

Those programmes, which have evolved from earlier schemes like Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH), are specifically for lower-income groups and the hardcore poor, with eligibility determined by income levels and other criteria listed in databases like eKasih. This one-off RM100 SARA, however, is the first time cash aid has been extended to all adult citizens regardless of their income.

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• TAGS:
• Anwar Ibrahim
• Guide
• MyKad
• Sara
• Sumbangan Asas Rahmah