KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA January 19, 2026 – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today the commencement of Phase 1 payments under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) program for 2026, a key initiative aimed at alleviating cost-of-living pressures for low-income households and vulnerable groups.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Anwar detailed that the MADANI Government has begun distributing aid to approximately 5 million recipients, including 3.7 million households and 1.3 million single senior citizens without partners. Eligible individuals will receive between RM100 and RM500, depending on their category, with the total allocation for this phase amounting to RM1.1 billion. This quarterly aid is designed to provide additional financial breathing room during peak periods, such as festive seasons, complementing the monthly Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) support.
“As announced in my New Year 2026 message, the MADANI Government today begins channeling payments for STR Phase 1 2026,” Anwar wrote. He emphasized the program’s integration with SARA to ensure more consistent and sustainable assistance for basic needs. “The MADANI Government is committed to ensuring every citizen lives with dignity, with no one left behind in facing cost-of-living pressures. I hope this aid is fully utilized by recipients,” he added, accompanied by hashtags like #MalaysiaMADANI and #EkonomiMADANI.
The STR program, part of Malaysia’s broader social safety net, targets B40 and M40 income groups, including households earning below RM5,000 monthly and singles earning RM2,500 or less. For 2026, the combined STR and SARA initiatives have a record allocation of RM15 billion, benefiting around 9 million Malaysians nationwide – the highest ever. SARA alone accounts for RM8 billion, supporting 8.1 million recipients, a significant increase from 5.4 million and RM5 billion in 2025.
Monthly SARA disbursements began on January 9 for households and single seniors, with payments for an additional 3.1 million single individuals starting January 16. Early data shows the aid is being put to use quickly: Nearly one-third of the RM624.97 million January SARA allocation was spent within five days, highlighting its immediate impact on household spending and local commerce.
The Finance Ministry noted that STR Phase 1 aligns with efforts to foster competition among retailers, encouraging lower prices to attract beneficiaries. Recipients can check eligibility and claim unclaimed balances from previous years until January 31, 2026, via Bank Simpanan Nasional branches or the official portal at bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my.
This expansion reflects the government’s focus on economic inclusivity under the MADANI framework, with potential annual benefits reaching up to RM4,600 for some households when combining STR and SARA. As Malaysia navigates ongoing economic challenges, such programs continue to play a vital role in supporting vulnerable populations.
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