THE government is considering expanding the scope of Sumbangan Asas RAHMAH (SARA) to enable recipients to purchase healthier food, including fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh sources of protein, as part of a broader strategy to ease the cost-of-living burden.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who chairs the National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) Executive Committee, said the proposal had been agreed upon at the 18th NACCOL meeting and would be submitted for consideration by the National Cost of Living Action Council, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"This step is important so that government assistance not only helps to strengthen people’s purchasing power, but also encourages access to healthier nutrition," he said in a statement today.
Zahid said the meeting also conducted an in-depth review of the direction of Local White Rice (BPT) policy, with the aim of balancing consumer interests with the sustainability of the domestic paddy and rice industry.
Among the proposals under consideration is a transitional mechanism through a subsidised rice programme to ensure vulnerable groups remain protected before any policy changes are implemented nationwide.
The government, he said, was also taking into account pressures on food prices and supply, healthcare costs, cost pressures facing businesses and the agri-food sector, as well as social protection in addressing the rising cost of living.
"Geopolitical developments, including uncertainty in West Asia, import compliance costs and the impact of targeted subsidy rationalisation on food production costs must continue to be monitored so that these are not translated into price increases that burden consumers.
"Relevant agencies have been instructed to continue refining existing mechanisms, including targeted assistance for farmers, fishermen and affected groups," he said.
On healthcare, Zahid said the meeting was briefed on progress involving 11 RESET initiatives aimed at addressing the cost of private healthcare, expanding access and providing Malaysians with greater choice.
The initiatives form part of the government’s comprehensive approach under the 2030 Cost of Living Action Plan to tackle cost pressures across multiple sectors.
The government also remains committed to ensuring that education costs do not become a barrier to human capital development.
Based on the mapping of 13 tertiary education assistance programmes, a total of 62,937 Form Six and university students received assistance in 2025, with the programmes providing a combined RM589.6 million in aid. - August 13, 2026
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