THE MINISTRY of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is expanding the reach of its Rahmah Sales Programme (PJRM) as part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate the financial burden of daily necessities for Malaysians.
In a statement released by KPDN today, the ministry said the programme, which offers discounts of between 10 to 30 per cent on essential goods, aims to address the rising cost of living by providing affordable access to basic items.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said, for 2025, KPDN plans to hold at least two PJRM sessions per month in every state legislative assembly (DUN) constituency across the nation.
“This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the government to address cost of living challenges through various ministries and agencies, including direct cash assistance.”
The minister cited, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) is contributing to this effort by expanding the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programmes.
The statement revealed that for this year alone, the government has allocated RM13 billion for STR and SARA, marking a RM3 billion increase from the previous year. Of this allocation, RM8 billion is earmarked for STR, while RM5 billion is set aside for SARA.
“SARA aims to provide monthly financial assistance to low-income households, senior citizens without spouses, and individuals in need. This year, approximately 5.4 million recipients, including more than 120,000 in Sabah and 110,000 in Sarawak, will benefit from this support,” Amirzan said, adding, recipients of the STR program will receive cash aid ranging from RM500 to RM2,500 annually, depending on their eligibility.
Meanwhile, SARA recipients will receive monthly allowances between RM50 and RM200, which will be credited to their MyKAD cards, allowing them to purchase essential goods at participating supermarkets and retail outlets.
As of February 13, 2025, 1,700 retail locations nationwide are involved in the SARA program, and the initiative has been extended to Sabah and Sarawak.
Unlike previous years when the assistance was distributed twice annually, starting in 2025, SARA funds will be credited to recipients' MyKAD cards monthly. Currently, 340 retail outlets in Sabah and 320 in Sarawak participate in this expanded scheme.
“To further improve accessibility for recipients, KPDN will collaborate with MOF to identify more retail premises in rural and remote areas to participate in the programme, ensuring that even the most geographically isolated communities can easily access essential goods.
“This expansion underscores the government's commitment to tackling the cost of living, with a particular focus on underserved areas,” Amirzan said.
In addition to federal efforts, state governments are also taking action to support citizens.
Notable programmes include Sabah's Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SUKUR) and Sarawak's Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), which provide cash aid to eligible recipients starting in 2025.
Armizan expressed gratitude for the collaboration between federal and state governments in addressing the needs of the rakyat. - February 16, 2025
KPDN, MOF, SARA, Amirzan, recipients
