Anwar: Frozen food included in Sara programme

PUTRAJAYA (Feb 9): The government has agreed to expand the category of goods under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) for All to include frozen food, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Finance Minister said the decision was made following public requests for the list of basic items to be extended to cover frozen food.

He also said the participation of small grocery shops in the Sara programme will be increased to 10,000 nationwide by the end of this year, with the coverage radius reduced to within seven kilometres (km), compared to the current 10km.

“Previously, there were issues as Sara purchases could only be made at large stores. Now, purchases can be made at these 10,000 grocery shops across the country,” he said in his address at the assembly at the National Unity Ministry here today.

Anwar said that under Sara for All, a total of 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and above receive RM100 credited to their respective MyKad today.

The Prime Minister said that although the amount of aid provided under Sara for All is small, it can help alleviate the cost of living for the people while also stimulating domestic spending.

Anwar said that under Sara for All, aid is given to individuals instead of households.

“For example, a household comprising a husband, wife and two adult children will receive RM400. It is hoped that this will be used wisely, coinciding with Chinese New Year and the start of Ramadan for Muslims,” he said.

He added that Sara for All can be implemented for the second time as a result of fiscal reforms, which have led to savings that can be redistributed for the benefit of all Malaysians.

“…it would not be possible to provide all this government aid without a strong and healthy economy. So everything is connected. It stems from political stability and a focus on economic activity.

“Then we must train our children to acquire skills in fields they have not mastered before. All of this needs to be considered. Only when all these are in place can we deliver results to the people,” he said.

The one-off RM100 assistance is valid from today until Dec 31, 2026.