Poll: Sara, STR not fully addressing cost-of-living pressures, say respondents

KUCHING (Jan 7): The Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) offer limited and short-term relief, according to a survey here.

Majority of the respondents say these aid programmes do not fully address rising cost-of-living pressures.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had, on Monday, announced that Sara and STR would be credited in stages, beginning this month, as part of the Madani Government’s early 2026 cost-of-living support measures.

Sara payments are scheduled to be made beginning this Feb 9, while the first phase of STR is set to take effect on Jan 9.

Civil servant Susie James acknowledged that STR and Sara had helped ease her financial burden, particularly for basic necessities for her children such as food and daily essentials, but she also viewed them as temporary assistance.

“The aid typically lasts for only two to three weeks, depending on my children’s needs and also on unexpected expenses.

“After that, it’s back to carefully managing my own income.

“I continue to face financial pressure from rising prices, utility bills, transportation costs, as well as my children’s schooling and healthcare expenses.

“With limited income and no partner to share responsibilities, the pressure is strongly felt,” this 30-year-old single mother told The Borneo Post.

Susie was hopeful that the government would give special attention to single mothers by increasing the assistance amount, or make available the long-term support such as flexible job opportunities, skills-training and educational aid for the children to help them gradually achieve financial independence.

Sean Ho, 36, said the RM100 Sara money would last him less than a month, even with him being a single man.

“With the rising prices of food products, especially when the purchases are limited to dry goods with limited choices, it (Sara) does not last very long,” said the local barista, acknowledging that the situation must be even more challenging for households with families.

“I do hope that the government would consider increasing the amount to between RM150 and RM200, as well as categorising the assistance separately for single individuals and households to prevent abuse.

“Perhaps, it could also include long-term structural measures to address inflation and rising food prices.

“My Sara did help in the very short term, but the financial issues I face are still there.

“It does not solve any financial concerns. This is a short-term solution for long-term problems,” he pointed out.

According to Ho, the limited categories under Sara restrict the purchases of fresh food and certain necessities.

“I suggest broadening the items eligible under Sara and expanding the participation to more small vendors.”

Nevertheless, Mary Deborah said the assistance could help ease some of the financial burden by allowing the recipients to buy at least a month’s supply of basic grocery items.

“It does help lighten the burden slightly, but my financial situation remains inconsistent,” said the 28-year-old private sector worker.

Mary believed that the government should continue providing financial assistance for single individuals and those in the B40 (low-income) group.

“I also hope the amount could be increased,” she added.