BELURAN, SABAH, Malaysia June 30, 2025 — Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP, Lim Hui Ying, led a government delegation on a working visit to Beluran, Sabah, to monitor the disbursement of the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) programs. The visit underscores the Finance Ministry’s commitment to not only deliver cash aid but also to connect directly with rural communities, witnessing firsthand the hope in the faces of recipients often unheard yet never forgotten.
The delegation focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the STR rollout for Sabah’s interior regions and the SARA initiative, engaging directly with beneficiaries. The programs align with the Rahmah Sales initiative, featuring SARA business partners offering affordable essentials, alongside a mobile banking unit brought to Beluran residents to provide basic banking services, including account openings.
Nationwide, 566,000 STR recipients lack bank accounts compared to 7.36 million with accounts. In Sabah, of the 830,000 STR recipients, 768,000 have bank accounts, while 62,000 do not. Today, nearly 400 non-account holders from the Beluran area received aid, with eligible STR recipients also able to purchase essentials using their MyKad under SARA.
To date, RM410 million has been disbursed in STR Phases 1 and 2 across Sabah, with two more phases scheduled for August and November 2025. Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) supported the effort with a Mobile Banking Branch, offering deposits, withdrawals, and financial advice, easing access for rural residents. Collaborators include MyKasih Foundation, the Inland Revenue Board Malaysia, and the Sabah Treasury.
For SARA, 506,000 recipients are registered in Sabah, with a RM500 million annual allocation. Sabah leads with a 94% MyKad usage rate for SARA purchases at registered outlets. Nationally, over 4.8 million of the 5.4 million SARA recipients—expanded from 700,000 since April 2025—have utilized their MyKad, achieving a 90% usage rate in the third month of crediting.
The number of registered SARA retail outlets has surged to nearly 4,000 nationwide, up from 700 in 2024, with over 430 in Sabah alone, set to grow for broader access. Yusop Enterprise joined as a SARA partner today. Starting May 1, 2025, SARA-eligible items expanded to include household cleaning products like soap and detergents, bringing the total to 14 categories, including food, personal care, medicine, and school supplies.
The annual SARA aid cap has risen to RM2,100 in 2025 from RM1,200 in 2024, with unused monthly credits rolling over until December 31, 2025. The government has allocated a record RM13 billion for STR and SARA, reflecting responsible fiscal reforms to fund essential services like social welfare, health, education, and public transport.
The warm reception today highlighted the programs’ impact, with recipients’ smiles reflecting relief and gratitude. The MADANI government pledges to ensure no one is left behind, building a prosperous future through inclusive and transparent fiscal management. Appreciation was extended to local leaders and officials, including ADUN Labuk Datuk Samad Jambril and BSN’s Deputy CEO Mujibburrahman Bin Abd Rashid, for their support.