THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring small rural retailers benefit from the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) MADANI programme, following concerns that some kampung grocers remain excluded from the growing list of official vendors.
Responding to a parliamentary question from Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (Pengkalan Chepa) on 22 October, Deputy Finance Minister stated that the number of participating outlets under the SARA initiative had surged from 700 in 2024 to 8,400 shops nationwide as of this month.
This includes a broad range of outlets such as supermarkets, rural convenience stores, cooperative shops, and mini markets — both in urban centres and more remote areas.
“The government remains consistent in protecting and ensuring that small traders and private grocery shops also receive economic spillover from the implementation of SARA,” Lim said.
The SARA programme provides cashless aid to eligible citizens in the form of credit tied to their MyKad, which can be used at registered vendors to purchase essential goods.
The approach allows the government to monitor expenditure while ensuring the assistance reaches the intended recipients.
For 2026, RM15 billion has been allocated for both the SARA and STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) programmes, up from RM10 billion in 2024 — a sign, the ministry said, of the government’s strengthened social safety net.
To broaden access, particularly in rural and interior regions, the Ministry has also integrated SARA field activities with the Jualan Rahmah initiative. This enables recipients to purchase subsidised essentials using their MyKad at participating vendors, most of whom are small-scale grocers.
“The designation of SARA vendor locations takes into account the number of aid recipients within a 10-kilometre radius in a given area, thereby creating wider opportunities for local grocers to register,” the ministry added.
Engagement sessions have also been held with relevant associations and agencies to encourage more independent retailers and cooperatives to participate. Among those already on board are Koperasi Penjara Berhad (KOPEN), Koperasi FELCRA, and Koperasi FELDA Sungai Koyan 2.
Currently, 14 categories comprising over 100,000 essential products — including those produced by local SMEs — are available under SARA.
“The government remains committed and vigilant in ensuring that public assistance continues to reach those in need as they face rising living costs,” the ministry added. - October 22, 2025
