STR Disbursement Eases Financial Burden Amid Rising Cost Of Living

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The disbursement of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 1, which began today, has brought relief to recipients, particularly low-income groups grappling with the pressures of rising cost of living.

For many recipients, the STR is more than just financial assistance; it serves as crucial support to help meet basic needs during critical times and early preparations ahead of Ramadan next month.

Housewife Wan Anisyariah Abd Talib, 42, described the aid as meaningful to her family while they wait for her husband’s salary, and it also helps cover the rising daily expenses.

“When we received the aid, I felt relieved and grateful because it eased our family’s burden, especially in buying groceries. The children have just returned to school, so expenses are quite tight,” she told Bernama.

In SELANGOR, private-sector employee Siti Aishah Abu Bakar, 30, said that single individuals are also affected by the rising cost of living in urban areas, adding that the STR helps her manage her cash flow more systematically.

“The government’s efforts to provide targeted assistance like STR have helped ease our burden, especially for those living in cities, where the cost of living is very high,” she said.

In JOHOR, private-sector employee Mohamad Zariq Abdullah, 35, said the STR allowed him to make early preparations for Ramadan and Aidilfitri celebrations.

“Although the amount is modest, I can buy new clothes for my children and other necessities gradually, instead of having all expenses concentrated at one time,” said the father of two.

In PERAK, retiree Tajuddin Shariff, 72, welcomed the aid, saying it helped him and his wife, Hasnah Muhammad Rasad, 66, meet their basic needs.

“The STR is very helpful for retirees like us who rely on our pension as a fixed source of income,” he said, adding that he received RM2,400 through STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA).

In KELANTAN, Mohd Raffie Yaacob, 68, said he used the STR funds to purchase essentials such as rice, sugar, flour and personal hygiene products.

“For me, the STR truly benefits the people, especially ahead of Ramadan,” he said.

In KEDAH, 67-year-old Azizah Zakaria, whose husband passed away six years ago, said she was grateful for the aid.

Azizah, who lives with her daughter and two grandchildren in Kota Sarang Semut, Alor Setar, sells traditional kuih while her daughter works at an eatery.

“Our income is limited. Most of the money is spent on school uniforms and supplies for my two grandchildren. With the STR, I can buy groceries and keep some food supplies in preparation for Ramadan,” she said.

RM1.1 billion has been allocated for Phase 1 of the STR disbursement for 2026, benefitting 3.7 million households and 1.3 million senior citizens without spouses, with payments ranging from RM100 to RM500 depending on eligibility.

-- BERNAMA