RM52.7 Million Disbursed To Nearly 47,000 STR Recipients Without Bank Accounts

SEMPORNA, July 26 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has disbursed a total of RM52.7 million to 46,568 recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative, who do not have bank accounts, through a series of nationwide distribution programmes to date.

Treasury deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz said the disbursement involved 31 locations across Sabah's interior, benefiting 23,105 recipients, while a similar initiative was carried out at 25 locations in Sarawak, reaching 20,775 recipients.

“In the interior regions of Peninsular Malaysia, the programme is specifically conducted for the Orang Asli communities across four locations - Gua Musang in Kelantan; Jerantut and Lipis in Pahang; and Hulu Perak in Perak - involving a total of 2,688 recipients,” he said.

“Today, 3,300 recipients from Pulau Bum Bum and Pulau Mabul, here, are benefiting from the STR disbursement programme,” he said to reporters after overseeing the implementation of the initiative on Pulau Bum Bum.

He added that apart from not having bank accounts, nearly 47,000 STR recipients living in remote areas also face significant challenges in accessing cash disbursements at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branches, due to long travel distances and the necessity of boat transport.

Meanwhile, housewife Atikah Noor Najib, 34, from Kampung Balimbang, described the government's initiative, led by the MOF, to implement the STR disbursement programme on Pulau Bum Bum, as a clear demonstration of concern for residents in remote areas.

“Previously, I would receive an STR voucher, and had to travel to the BSN branch on the mainland in Semporna. The boat fare was RM2 one way, and the bus fare to the bank was RM3. So, a round trip cost about RM10, and that’s only if I went alone, and my house is also located near the jetty,” she said.

“This move really helps islanders like us - it makes the process much more convenient,” she added, noting that she uses the STR assistance to buy school essentials for her children and younger siblings.

For Kampung Lok Butun resident, Kamis Bata, 62, the STR payout on the island signals a government that is more attentive to the challenges faced by rural communities.

“From my village, just getting to the jetty costs RM3 by van, then RM2 for the boat from Balimbang Jetty. After that, there's another fare to reach the bank. This new approach by the government really shows that it’s listening to the people's struggles,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jamal Lumaadan, 48, a military veteran from Kampung Hampalan Darat Tengah, described the STR aid as a lifeline for his family. He said that the STR disbursement held on Pulau Bum Bum has made it significantly easier for local residents to access much-needed assistance.

“Today, I received RM1,000 in STR assistance. The money will go toward purchasing household essentials and school needs for my children. I’m especially grateful because I’m currently unable to work due to a fractured leg,” he said.

“Without today’s programme, it would have been very difficult for me to travel far - even getting on a boat while walking with a cane would have been a struggle. Thank you, government,” he added.

The STR disbursement in interior areas is coordinated by the MOF through the Sabah and Sarawak branches of the Treasury, with support from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), and district offices.

On Pulau Bum Bum, the STR payment programme began as early as 7 am, with two main counters set up - an IRB counter to verify recipient lists, and a BSN counter to handle STR payment transactions. Additionally, a Rahmah Sales programme was also held, to provide essential goods at affordable prices.

-- BERNAMA