The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid programme achieved a 99% utilisation rate among nearly nine million monthly recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) in 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance's latest figures released in July 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].

Total spending under the SARA scheme has reached RM3.45 billion so far this year. The STR and SARA allocations increased from RM10 billion in 2024 to RM15 billion in 2026 to provide wider support amid rising living costs [1, 2, 3, 4].

SARA is a cashless aid system that credits funds onto recipients’ MyKad cards. The credits are redeemable at registered SARA Rakan Niaga outlets for 15 essential categories, including basic food, personal care products, household cleaning supplies, and medicines [1, 2, 3, 4].

Under the related Sara Untuk Semua initiative, about 22 million people, representing 87% of all recipients, generated more than RM1.77 billion in local market transactions this year. The Ministry of Finance said the spending performance among recipients is a key indicator of how well the programme is easing cost-of-living pressures on low- and middle-income groups while boosting the local economy through multiplier effects [1, 2, 3, 4].

"Recipient spending performance is a key gauge of how effectively STR and Sara are easing cost-of-living pressures for low- and middle-income groups. It also boosts the local economy through multiplier effects," the Ministry said [1]. It added the government will continue monitoring the programmes to ensure aid flows to those who need it most amid rising costs [3].

The Ministry of Finance released this data in a written reply to Parliament on July 16, 2026, providing detailed utilisation rates, spending totals, and allocation levels for SARA and STR [1, 3, 4]. The government emphasized it tracks these programmes closely to make sure aid reaches intended recipients and serves its stated purposes [2].

The next scheduled financial review of the programme and allocations is expected before the end of 2026 as part of ongoing monitoring efforts.