KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21- Phase 1 Rahmah Cash Donation (STR) payments will be distributed in stages starting tomorrow to registered recipients with an allocation of RM2.3 billion, compared to RM2.1 billion last year.

In total, this year's STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programmes will benefit almost nine million recipients or 60 percent of the adult population.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Minister of Finance, said that the increase in STR Phase 1 allocation reflects the government's determination to ensure that the people's welfare improves.

"Despite the increase in the cost of living, it is the MADANI Government's hope that the increase in SARA and STR contributions every year can help the people attain a better life.

"Phase 1 STR payments will be distributed in stages to recipients registered in the STR database by crediting the payments into their bank accounts or by cash disbursement through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN)," the statement read.

Meanwhile, new applications and updates for STR will be open throughout the year.

If the applicant's name is not in the STR database, they need to make an application on the STR Official Portal via the link https://bantuantunnai.hasil.gov.my, to facilitate the verification process in accordance with the finalised STR qualification categories.