THE Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive development with a targeted outreach programme in Beluran, Sabah, led by Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Tanjong, Lim Hui Ying.
The working visit centred on the implementation of the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and Basic Rahmah Assistance (SARA) programmes for communities in the interior of Sabah.
The initiative aims not only to deliver cash assistance but also to engage directly with recipients and assess the effectiveness of the programme on the ground, a statement from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) read today.
The delegation also launched a Jualan Rahmah event and introduced mobile banking services to improve financial accessibility in remote areas.
“Through this visit, we are not merely distributing aid but reaffirming the Government’s responsibility to listen and serve all citizens — especially those whose voices are seldom heard but never forgotten,” said Lim.
Malaysia currently records 566,000 STR recipients without bank accounts out of a total 7.934 million. In Sabah, of the 830,000 STR recipients, approximately 62,000 remain unbanked. At the Beluran event alone, nearly 400 such individuals attended in person, many also eligible to redeem essential goods under SARA using their MyKad.
Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) deployed its Mobile Banking Branch (Cawangan Bank Bergerak, CBB) to the programme, offering services including deposits, withdrawals, and account openings – all without the need for long-distance travel. “The CBB service is a lifeline for rural residents seeking basic financial services,” noted BSN Deputy CEO Mujibburrahman Abd Rashid.
The SARA programme also continues to see high levels of engagement in Sabah, where 94% of the 506,000 recipients have begun using their MyKad to purchase essentials at registered outlets. Nationwide, SARA beneficiaries have increased dramatically from 700,000 to 5.4 million since April 2025. To support this expansion, the number of participating outlets has grown from just 700 in 2024 to nearly 4,000 today – with over 430 in Sabah alone.
From 1 May 2025, the list of eligible items under SARA was expanded to include household cleaning products, bringing the total number of approved categories to 14, ranging from staple foods and hygiene products to school supplies and over-the-counter medicine.
To further support households, the annual SARA benefit ceiling has been raised from RM1,200 in 2024 to RM2,100 in 2025. Credit balances not utilised monthly will roll over until 31 December 2025.
According to current figures, more than RM410 million has already been disbursed under STR Phases 1 and 2 in Sabah, with two remaining payment phases scheduled for August and November 2025.
“The Government has allocated a record RM13 billion for STR and SARA – the highest cash assistance provision in Malaysia’s history,” said Lim. “This reflects the success of prudent fiscal reforms, which have created more room for investment in social protection, healthcare, education, and public transport.”
Also present were Labuk Assemblyman Datuk Samad Jambri, Federal Financial Officer for Sabah Norali @ Awang Damit, LHDN’s Zamzam Amar, Beluran District Officer Roger Appolonius, MyKasih General Manager of Operations Yuvendran Arumugam, and STR Secretariat Head Mohammad Khairul Nazri Ghazali.
The initiative is part of the Government’s broader MADANI agenda – upholding the principles of inclusivity, service, and dignity. “Every smile we saw today represents not just relief but a shared sense of trust that no one is left behind,” Lim said.
The Government has pledged to continue ensuring every Malaysian benefits from national development through inclusive and transparent fiscal management, striving for a prosperous future for all layers of society. - June 30, 2025
