PUTRAJAYA, 1 May - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the expansion of the basic goods category under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) is a result of public feedback.

In a statement, he said that this step was taken to ensure to ensure their well-being is safeguarded.

"The MADANI Government always listens to the voice of the people to ensure their continued well-being. The expansion of the categories of goods allowed under SARA is a result of feedback received from the majority of recipients. The Government acted swiftly to implement it," he said.

Starting May 2025, the SARA program will include 14 categories of goods, including basic food items, personal hygiene products, medications, school supplies, and household cleaning products.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, the Ministry of Finance said that a total of 3.9 million recipients, or 72 percent of the overall 5.4 million SARA recipients, had used their MyKad to purchase basic goods in the first month after the funds were credited.

In line with the increase in recipients, the number of registered grocery stores and supermarkets has also increased to 3,700, compared to only 700 stores in the previous year, to ensure easy access, including in rural areas.

For the year 2025, the maximum rate of SARA assistance received by recipients has increased to RM2,100, compared to RM1,200 in 2024.