he Malaysian government launched a one-off cash aid called Penghargaan SARA. The name SARA stands for Sumbangan Asas Rahmah which means basic compassion contribution. It is part of efforts to reduce living costs and support citizens facing rising prices.
Details About Bantuan Sara 2025
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Bantuan Sara 2025 (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah) |
| Announcement Date | 31 August 2025 |
| Aid Amount | RM100 one-time |
| Eligibility | All Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above with a valid MyKad |
| Usage Period | 31 August 2025 – 31 December 2025 |
| Where to Use | Over 7,300 participating retail outlets nationwide |
| What Can Be Bought | 14 essential categories including rice, eggs, bread, cooking oil, flour, canned food, noodles, hygiene products, medicines, cleaning items, school supplies |
| Application Needed | No (automatic credit) |
| Total Beneficiaries | About 22 million adults |
| Total Budget | RM15 billion (including other social aids) |
Who is Eligible for the Aid?
- All Malaysian citizens aged 18 years and above are eligible.
- No application is required as the credit is given automatically.
- You must have a valid MyKad to use it.
Read More: Bantuan Pelajar IPT 2025 Malaysia Guide Eligibility Application Amount and Benefits
How Much Aid and When Can You Use It?
- Each eligible person receives a RM100 one-time credit.
- The credit can be used from 31 August 2025 until 31 December 2025.
What Can You Buy with SARA Aid?
The aid is cashless and is credited directly onto MyKad. It can only be used for 14 essential product categories such as:
- Rice
- Eggs
- Bread, cooking oil, flour
- Biscuits, instant noodles, canned food
- Beverages, seasonings, personal hygiene products
- Medicines approved by the Ministry of Health
- Household cleaning products and school supplies
Where Can You Spend the Aid?
- The aid can be used at MyKad-enabled terminals in selected supermarkets and retail outlets.
- Initially about 4,100 outlets were confirmed, and later expanded to over 7,300 stores nationwide.
Why This Programme Was Introduced
Prices of food and essential goods have gone up in recent years. Although inflation figures may look stable, the daily expenses of households keep rising. The government introduced SARA 2025 to ease the burden on citizens and provide appreciation to Malaysians for their resilience.
How to Use Your MyKad for SARA
- At checkout, show your MyKad to the cashier.
- The cashier will scan it and check eligible items.
- You may need to enter a PIN for verification.
- Keep your receipt as it shows your balance and purchases.
Things to Note
- No manual application is required.
- Funds cannot be transferred or claimed by someone else.
- The credit expires on 31 December 2025. Any unused balance is lost.
How Large is the Programme?
- Around 22 million adults will receive this aid.
- The total budget for SARA 2025, along with other social aids like STR, is RM15 billion.
How to Check Your Balance
- You can check your balance online through the official SARA platform.
- There are also apps that help track balance, stores, and eligible products.
- A valid and working MyKad is necessary. If damaged, it must be replaced.
Benefits of SARA 2025
- Reduces the cost of daily essential items.
- Assists low-income and middle-income groups.
- Ensures aid is used only for important products.
- Provides an easy, automatic system through MyKad.
Limitations
- People in remote areas may face difficulty finding participating stores.
- Lack of awareness could lead to unused credits.
- Expiry of the aid reduces flexibility for those unable to spend in time.
Conclusion
Bantuan Sara 2025 is a government effort to ease the daily burden of Malaysians by giving a RM100 one-off cashless credit through MyKad. It covers essential goods, works in thousands of retail outlets, and supports more than 22 million citizens. While the aid may not solve all financial struggles, it provides short-term relief and ensures spending is directed towards basic needs.