SARA Programme Expanded To Widen Retail Access - Amir Hamzah

KOTA KINABALU, June 23 (Bernama) -- The government is expanding the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme by increasing the number of participating retail outlets that accept MyKad transactions, including in rural and remote areas, to make it easier for recipients to obtain essential goods.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said more than 13,500 shops nationwide are now registered under the programme, including over 6,500 sundry shops.

“We aim to increase the number of these sundry shops to 10,000 nationwide. In Sabah alone, 1,493 shops are now participating in SARA, enabling redemptions across the state.

“It is not limited to major towns but extends to villages and interior areas, as our goal is to ease access for eligible recipients,” he told reporters after visiting the programme’s implementation in Manggatal Baru here today.

He said the use of MyKad as the delivery mechanism allows beneficiaries to directly redeem essential items at participating outlets.

Amir Hamzah said the initiative not only supports those in need but also benefits local entrepreneurs by increasing sales through the SARA retail network.

“When products are included under SARA, sales improve. This effort is not only about providing assistance but also about helping to stimulate local entrepreneurs,” he said.

He noted that more than 150,000 product items are now available under the programme nationwide, with the government planning to further expand both product range and local business participation.

On efforts to widen participation among small retailers, Amir Hamzah said the government is exploring ways to reduce onboarding costs, including providing more accessible point-of-sale (POS) systems.

He also said the government continuously evaluates the possibility of expanding eligible items, such as fresh produce, under SARA.

“Fresh items are not included yet because we must ensure the quality of goods provided to recipients,” he said.

-- BERNAMA