THE introduction of MyKad for the People’s Basic Subsidy Programme (SARA) in Sabah has significantly improved the speed and efficiency of aid distribution, marking a major shift from the previous cash-based system.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, praised the initiative, highlighting its benefits in ensuring quicker access to essential goods for SARA recipients in Sabah.
Under this new system, recipients can now use their MyKad to purchase necessary items at 424 participating outlets across the state, eliminating the need to wait for cash disbursement, which was often delayed due to logistical challenges in remote areas.
“By using MyKad, recipients can buy their essential goods directly at participating supermarkets, and they can also check their available balance easily,” Armizan said in a statement to Bernama.
Sabah, which has the highest number of SARA aid recipients in Malaysia, sees 497,815 individuals benefiting from a total allocation of RM492.63 million. The government's move to streamline aid distribution demonstrates its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable communities across the state.
Amir Hamzah explained that SARA recipients in Sabah can now purchase not only food items but also personal hygiene products, medicines, and school supplies.
The scheme has expanded nationwide, with the total number of recipients set to rise to 5.4 million by April 1. Additionally, the monthly aid has been increased to RM200 per category, up from the previous RM100, further alleviating the financial burdens of those in need.
For locals like Mariana Galim, 42, a grocery store worker from Kampung Mesilou in Kundasang, the new system has made a world of difference.
Bernama cited Mariana, who previously had to endure long queues at a bank in Ranau, now finds shopping for essentials much easier.
"The distance from the village isn’t far, about 20 kilometres, but the hilly roads with heavy traffic made it difficult. It could take over an hour just to get to the bank, and then we had to queue for a long time. Now, with MyKad, it’s so easy – we just use it straight away to buy essentials," she said.
Mariana also highlighted how the expanded range of eligible products under SARA has been a great help to her family, enabling her to purchase groceries, school supplies for her children, and medicines, which eases the financial burden on her family.
For Md Ahmadi Kusoi, 45, a farmer from Kampung Tampasuk in Kota Belud, the MyKad system has not only saved him valuable time but also reduced the risk of losing cash.
“Previously, we had to wait a long time to receive cash. Now, with MyKad, buying essentials is much easier. There's no more worry about losing money or getting robbed,” he said, noting the safety and convenience of the new system.
Md Ahmadi also appreciates how the SARA aid allows him to purchase medicines for his family, which he had previously struggled to afford due to prioritising essential foods like rice.
Siti Khadijah Rusli, 38, a small food vendor at Tamu Donggongon in Penampang, also expressed her gratitude for the SARA programme. Describing it as a “lifesaver,” she shared how it has helped ease her family's financial strain.
“Running a small business is like living hand-to-mouth – whatever profit we make is what we use for household expenses. But with SARA, our household spending is lighter, and I can reinvest the profits to buy more stock for my business,” she said.
She added that the MyKad system has allowed her to buy essential items for her children, such as baby formula and school supplies, without worrying about depleting her business funds.
The shift to MyKad-based aid distribution is a crucial step in ensuring that help reaches the people who need it most, faster and more efficiently, while reducing the risks associated with cash-handling. – March 31, 2025
