KUALA LUMPUR: The continuation of the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) initiatives for 2025 is a lifeline for Malaysians facing hardship.
Recipients told the 'New Straits Times' that the funds are primarily used for meals and basic necessities for their children.
A mother of three, Nurhaliza Bohari, 24, said she received RM2,000 annually under STR.
The full-time p-hailing rider said the funds covered essential items like diapers and milk for her children.
"I have been receiving this assistance since the Covid-19 pandemic, starting with RM700. At that time, I had one child.
"Now that I have three children, the aid increases, and I am grateful to the government for continuing to provide this assistance in 2025."
An analyst, who wishes to be known only as Shaz, 25, said he received financial assistance of RM700.
The father of a 1-year-old child said the payment he received in August helped him purchase diapers and groceries.
"If this support continues, Alhamdulillah, it will be helpful for my family," he said.
Nurul Nadiah, 29, a part-time baker and full-time administration employee, has two children, aged 3 years and 8 months.
She said her 3-year-old is adopted and that her details are not registered in the system, so she receives RM500 (for one child).
"I plan to register her with the Welfare Department soon so that I can update my information under STR and receive more aid," she said, adding that the funds would go towards her children's basic needs.
Eima, who stays at home to care for her mother, benefits from both STR and Sara, receiving a total of RM2,200.
Eima, who has three children, said the assistance helped cover essential items, including rice, vegetables and eggs.
"Alhamdulillah (the government) continues to provide the aid. However, the price of basic needs is also increasing. Still, this support helps with household expenses."
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that RM13 billion has been allocated for STR and Sara.
The two programmes will benefit nine million Malaysians.
Anwar said 4.1 million eligible STR recipients would receive Sara worth RM100 per month compared with the 700,000 this year.
Single individuals will receive RM600 under STR, and households will receive RM4,600, up from the maximum of RM3,700 for 2024.