THE Government has begun disbursing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase One for 2026 from today, with an allocation of RM1.1 billion aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures for millions of low- and middle-income citizens.
According to the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the first phase will benefit 3.7 million households and 1.3 million elderly individuals without spouses. Eligible recipients will receive between RM100 and RM500, depending on their respective categories.
“Aligned with the MADANI Government’s efforts to ensure this initiative more effectively reduces the burden of living costs, the government has restructured the delivery of STR and the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) for this year,” the ministry said in a statement.
Under the revised framework, more than eight million people will qualify for monthly SARA assistance, including 400,000 individuals classified as poor or hardcore poor based on the eKasih database.
“This positions SARA as a form of basic assistance that provides continuous support to the people,” the statement said.
STR, meanwhile, will continue to be provided as supplementary assistance on a quarterly basis. It is targeted at households and elderly individuals without spouses earning RM5,000 or less per month, including those registered as poor or hardcore poor under eKasih.
The ministry said the integrated approach would allow targeted aid to be delivered in a more orderly, stable and effective manner, while also providing additional financial relief during peak periods such as festive seasons.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, said the combined allocation for STR and SARA this year amounts to RM15 billion, the highest ever committed in the history of the Federal Government.
“The MADANI Economic Framework aspires to raise the people’s living floor so that all can stand on equal footing.
“When the people are protected and their basic needs are met, we can together raise the economic ceiling with greater vigour and sustainability,” he said in the same statement.
To reduce the risk of eligible recipients being left out, MOF said new applications and appeals for STR are open throughout the year via the official portal at [https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my](https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my).
“STR eligibility is based on the prescribed income thresholds.
“In line with best practices for the implementation of social assistance programmes, each application undergoes a review and verification process involving multiple government agencies to confirm the applicant’s eligibility,” the ministry said.
For new applicants, the ministry added that in addition to income limits, quarterly reviews would be conducted to assess home ownership, vehicle ownership, business ownership, and records of employment or residence overseas.
The statement stressed that all applicants are responsible for providing accurate and truthful information.
“If false or inaccurate information is found, legal action may be taken, including the government’s right to withdraw any approved assistance in cases of non-compliance.
“MOF reminds STR recipients to be vigilant against fake links and fraudulent attempts by irresponsible parties.
“As a security measure, MOF has never requested personal information via SMS or WhatsApp, and recipients are advised to refer only to the official STR portal for the latest information,” the statement said. - January 20, 2026
