Second SARA Implementation, Free PTPTN Education For The Poor To Ease Public Burden

SEREMBAN, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The government’s decision to continue implementing Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) for a second time, as announced under Budget 2026, is proof of its continued commitment to prioritising the people’s wellbeing.

Negaraku Brigade president Khairul Nizam Mohd Sopery said the initiative not only eases the people's cost-of-living burden but also shows that the government is attuned to the current economic realities faced by people from all walks of life.

“The SARA aid is a symbol of the government’s concern for the people. It provides immediate relief to millions, especially the lower and middle-income groups affected by rising prices and living costs.

“When the people are protected, the nation grows stronger and more united. This second round of SARA is proof that the Rahmah spirit continues to thrive in the country’s administration,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the SARA initiative is not merely a cash aid programme but a form of social investment capable of stimulating the domestic economy through increased purchasing power.

Meanwhile, IKON Malaysia president Mia Nurhamizah Abdul Ghapar, when contacted, commended the government’s move to provide free education for vulnerable groups, especially the B40, through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

“Such government policies should be fully utilised as they not only increase access to higher education but also allow students to focus on their studies without the burden of debt,” she said.

She added that the initiative would also produce more highly educated young talents who will contribute to the nation’s progress in the future.

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would provide free PTPTN education to 5,800 students from poor families pursuing studies at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) starting next year.

Anwar said the initiative involves an annual allocation of RM120 million for families with a household income below RM2,705.

Meanwhile, MySDG Foundation chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar described Budget 2026 as a socially progressive and equity-driven budget that strengthens Malaysia’s commitment to inclusive growth and social justice.

He said the government’s decisive shift from broad-based subsidies to targeted and needs-driven assistance, such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and SARA Untuk Semua, ensures that support directly reaches the most vulnerable groups, while also encouraging self-reliance through microcredit financing, social enterprise development and community empowerment.

"This directs national resources towards uplifting the country’s most underserved and vulnerable groups -including the B40, Orang Asli, women, children, persons with disabilities (PwDs), the elderly and rural communities - in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a statement today.

Key allocations in the budget include RM412 million for Orang Asli development in education, infrastructure and land rights; RM12.9 billion for critical infrastructure and utilities in Sabah and Sarawak; RM500 million to boost women’s entrepreneurship and economic participation; and RM1.4 billion to strengthen PwD welfare, mobility and accessibility.

He said the budget also enhances child nutrition, educational support and social protection schemes, like i-Saraan and i-Suri for informal workers and homemakers, reflecting an increased focus on ageing, caregiving and long-term care needs.

“Collectively, these measures reflect the MADANI values of compassion, equity and dignity, thus advancing Malaysia’s aspirations of a nation that leaves no one behind,” he said.

-- BERNAMA