The Malaysian government has expanded its cost-of-living assistance framework for 2026 through the continuation of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and the rollout of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA). Together, these initiatives are set to provide targeted financial relief and access to essential goods for low-income households, senior citizens, and eligible individuals amid ongoing economic pressures. Eligibility for SARA is directly linked to approval under the STR programme. STR is the primary gateway for government financial assistance, with applications and status checks conducted via the official MySTR portal at www.bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my .
Once STR status is approved, the government’s system automatically evaluates eligibility for SARA based on household data and socioeconomic records, including eKasih. Those verified in the eKasih database may receive higher additional SARA 2026 rate of RM50 / RM100 per month for a period of 12 months (January 2026 – December 2026), while other STR recipients receive baseline amounts (for example RM100 per month) over the 12-month period.
SARA explained
SARA is a cashless assistance that credits eligible recipients’ MyKad with monthly balances to be used exclusively for purchasing approved essential goods. The scheme covers over 100,000 basic items across 14 categories, including rice, cooking oil, eggs, bread, canned food, beverages, and certain personal care and hygiene products. Credits are carried over month to month and do not expire at the end of each disbursement cycle.
SARA disbursements began on 9 January for households and senior citizens without spouses. Eligible single individuals are expected to receive RM100.00 credit from 16 January 2026 onwards, while one-off SARA credit of RM100 for all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above will also receive the same credit to their MyKad from mid-February 2026 ahead of festive seasons including Chinese New Year and Ramadan. SARA credits do not expire monthly and can be accumulated and used over time, providing recipients with greater flexibility in managing household purchases.
Malaysians can visit the MyKasih portal (https://app.mykasih.net/sara2/checkstatus)to check their SARA status by entering their MyKad number on the MyKasih SARA status page; the page should show whether they are eligible and what balance is expected. Likewise, logging into the MySTR portal on the LHDN site with the MyKad and password will display the status of STR and associated SARA eligibility, including which payment phase applies and expected disbursement dates.
Where SARA Credits Can Be Used
SARA credits can be redeemed at participating retail outlets that support the MyKasih system, subject to outlet participation. Participating outlets are typically identified by SARA or MyKasih signage displayed at store entrances or checkout counters.
Among the participating retailers are supermarket chains such as Lotus’s Stores, Mydin, Giant, Econsave and AEON Big. In addition, SARA credits are also accepted at TF Value-Mart, Sunshine supermarkets in Penang, Billion Supermarket, C-Mart, Segi Fresh, Pacific Hypermarket, Milimewa, and selected 99 Speedmart outlets.
Recipients can also check the latest list of participating stores through the official MyKasih merchant directory at https://checkstatus.mykasih.net/sara2/merchant-list.
Availability may vary depending on state, district and outlet participation.
A Structured Approach to Cost-of-Living Relief
The combined implementation of STR and SARA reflects a dual-track support strategy under Malaysia’s Budget 2026. STR provides direct cash support to qualifying households, while SARA ensures that assistance is directed specifically towards essential goods through a structured cashless system. Both programmes aim to help vulnerable groups and equip Malaysians to handle rising essential costs.