6 days ago
PM's Announcement Wins Praise, Exceeds Expectations
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a one-off RM100 cash assistance for Malaysians aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative is seen as exceeding expectations, particularly for individuals who were previously ineligible for the aid.
In KEDAH, housewife Syazwani Ahmad, 32, from Simpang Empat, described the initiative as proof of the government's concern for all groups of people, regardless of their previous eligibility status.
'I truly didn't expect this announcement. I'm thankful that my husband also received the assistance this time, which allows us to stock up on essentials for the next two months. I hope this initiative will continue for everyone in the future to help ease the growing burden on the people,' she said.
Her sentiment was echoed by Mazidah Hashim, 29, from Tobiar, Pendang, who was delighted to receive the aid for the first time.
'Alhamdulillah, even though it's one-off assistance, it is still good news. I can use my MyKad to redeem kitchen essentials together with my husband,' said the housewife.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, civil servant Muhd Nazim Mohamad, 33, welcomed the assistance, saying it was very helpful in easing daily financial pressures.
'Previously, only my wife received the aid... but this time, I also received it. It's truly a relief as I can now purchase essential items,' he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his special announcement for Malaysians, said that the one-off aid, given in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31, is an immediate initiative by the government to ease the cost-of-living burden. The initiative will benefit 22 million Malaysians through an allocation of RM2 billion.
Anwar added that the total allocation for SARA and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) has increased from RM13 billion to RM15 billion this year, marking the first time in history that cash assistance has been extended to all adult Malaysians.
