THE Ministry of Finance (MOF) has accelerated the rollout of its expanded Sumbangan Asas Rahmah programme, extending monthly financial support to over 5.4 million recipients as part of a broader strategy to cushion households against rising living costs.
The ministry said the 2026 expansion includes an additional 200,000 beneficiaries, with enhancements introduced progressively since the start of the year and taking fuller effect around April.
The scheme now carries a total allocation of RM8 billion, with eligible recipients receiving monthly credits automatically, removing the need for fresh applications.
The assistance is channelled through the MyKad system for those approved under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah framework.
In parallel, a one-off RM100 payment was distributed to approximately 22 million Malaysian adults aged 18 and above to help offset seasonal expenses during major festive periods, including Ramadan and Chinese New Year recently.
Under the revised structure, individuals classified as poor or extremely poor in the national eKasih database receive between RM100 and RM200 monthly over a 12-month period beginning January 9.
Other eligible recipients receive between RM50 and RM100 each month.
The government had also expanded the programme’s utility by increasing the number of approved categories for purchases to 15, including frozen food, following an earlier one-off credit disbursed in February.
Utilisation rates have been high, with more than 6.7 million recipients reported to have used their allocations at some 8,400 participating retail outlets nationwide by early March.
Officials reiterated that the scheme operates automatically for eligible recipients and stressed the importance of relying solely on official verification channels.
The public has been warned against misinformation and scams that are circulating online, with authorities emphasising that no part of the application or payment process is conducted via WhatsApp. - April 1, 2026
