PUTRAJAYA, October 18 – The Malaysian government has earmarked RM13 billion for the Rahmah cash aid programs, Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), in the 2025 federal budget. This allocation represents a 30% increase from the previous year, marking the largest cash assistance budget in the country’s history aimed at supporting low- and middle-income households.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the increased funding will benefit nine million recipients, which equates to 60% of Malaysia’s adult population. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to easing the financial burdens faced by citizens amid escalating living costs, particularly for vulnerable groups.
In 2025, 4.1 million households are expected to receive SARA, with each household getting RM100 per month, a significant rise from the 700,000 recipients this year. The cash aid will be credited directly to recipients’ MyKAD starting in April 2025, enabling them to use the funds for essential purchases, including food, medicines, school supplies, and hygiene products at over 600 participating supermarkets and retail stores. Additionally, single individuals will receive RM600 through the STR program.
The government has also allocated an extra RM3 billion, increasing the maximum aid for households to RM4,600, up from RM3,700 previously. This historic increase is a direct response to public concerns about the rising cost of living and highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle economic challenges and enhance the welfare of its citizens.
The overall federal budget for 2025 amounts to RM421 billion, with RM335 billion dedicated to operational expenses and RM86 billion for development projects, demonstrating a sustained focus on economic growth and social welfare initiatives.
