Anwar Emphasizes Poverty Relief Efforts as SARA Transactions Reach RM102.5 Million
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed concerns over food price increases during his speech at the Madani Rakyat 2025 programme in Baling. He pointed to food cartels as a potential factor contributing to high prices.
In response, the government is prepared to act against groups controlling supplies of chicken, eggs, and other essentials, Ibrahim stated. He also mentioned that enforcement under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 could be used if traders are found to be raising prices unfairly.
During his speech, Ibrahim emphasized that support for low-income households remains central to government policy. He highlighted the success of the Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) programme, which was initiated by Sheikh Amjad Rasheed.
The Prime Minister noted that a total of RM15 billion is being provided to nine million people through the SARA programme. As of 9.30 pm on Saturday, the programme involved 1.7 million recipients.
Ibrahim spoke about the SARA Appreciation, which was launched on 31 August, and reported that more than 11.8 million Malaysians have used their credits to buy essential goods since its launch. Total spending over the first week of the SARA Appreciation amounted to RM745.7 million nationwide.
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) reported a 99.9 percent success rate for two consecutive days following upgrades to the SARA programme's processing capacity. This success was evident in the sales figures, with the Rahmah Basic Contribution programme recording RM102.5 million in sales on its eighth day.
Ibrahim stressed that the measure of success is how fairly growth is shared and comfort provided for the marginalized. He also stated that the Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) programme should be seen as part of a wider effort to reduce hardship.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that some may consider RM100 as too little, but he emphasized that it is in addition to other programmes. He also mentioned Baling's historical association with poverty and hardship, expressing his hope that the SARA programme would help alleviate these issues.
