24-07-2025
In dire need of more help
GEORGE TOWN: Some housewives are hoping the government will expand the grocery aid to cover more items and allow larger purchase quantities amid rising living costs.
Single mother Fatimah Zahrah Abdul Rahman, 62, said that while the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiative is helpful, the choices are limited, especially for large families or households with specific dietary needs.
She said the aid cannot be used to buy items such as clothing, electronic goods or entertainment products.
'And there is a limit on the quantity of certain products we can buy. We are a big family and may need more than what's allowed under the initiative.
'Things like fresh vegetables, eggs, infant formula and cooking oil are also getting more expensive,' she said.
In a special announcement on Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said to mark Merdeka Day on Aug 31, all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off payment of RM100 through their MyKad under the Sara aid programme.
Anwar said the assistance will be available from Aug 31 to Dec 31, and can be spent on essential goods at over 4,100 stores nationwide.
Participating retailers include major supermarkets such as Mydin, Lotus's, Econsave and 99Speedmart, as well as retail shops in every district across the country.
Housewife Kalah Devi Muniandy, 39, said she is grateful that the RM100 aid is distributed to individuals rather than per household, calling it a fairer approach for families with multiple adult members.
'My husband will also receive it, and that gives us RM200 for our family.
'It might not be much to some, but for us, it can cover at least a week's worth of groceries or help pay for our children's needs.
'Essentials like rice, cooking oil and dairy products have become noticeably more expensive these days,' she said.
Auditor Alex Kee, 41, said the RM100 grocery aid is a relief for households grappling with the rising cost of living.
'Nowadays, everything including groceries, has become expensive, so it's good that the government is giving something back to the people.
'Even small assistance can go a long way, especially for families with children or elderly dependents,' he said.
Food delivery rider S. Ragu, 25, welcomed the reduction for RON95 fuel for Malaysian citizens, calling it a positive move that directly benefits gig economy workers like himself.
'It's a good idea, and it would be great if the government could maintain it for the long term,' he said.
He said fuel is one of his daily expenses, adding that even a small drop in price helps him save more every day.
In the special announcement, Anwar also said a targeted subsidy for RON95 petrol will be introduced, and that Malaysians will be eligible for a price of RM1.99 per litre once the subsidy is implemented.
The initiative will benefit more than 18 million car and motorcycle users, including youth as young as 16 and gig workers.
