SARA 2026 Malaysia Latest Updates and Official Announcements

Under the government’s continued focus on targeted assistance, Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) 2026 provides structured support to different groups of Malaysians based on income and household category. The programme delivers monthly assistance through MyKad, ensuring help reaches those who need it most in a controlled and practical way.

Latest Announcement: STR & SARA for All 2026

At the start of 2026, the Malaysian government announced a major expansion of cost-of-living assistance under the MADANI framework, covering STR, SARA, and a new one-off SARA payment for all Malaysians.

Key highlights from the official announcement include:

• Monthly SARA assistance of up to RM200, depending on eligibility category, credited into recipients’ MyKad starting 9 January 2026.

• STR Phase 1 payments of up to RM500, beginning 20 January 2026

• A one-off RM100 SARA assistance for all Malaysians aged 18 and above, credited via MyKad from 9 February 2026

These initiatives reflect the government’s continued focus on targeted, cashless assistance to help Malaysians manage rising daily living costs.

Source: Kementerian Kewangan

Introduction to Sumbangan Asas Rahmah 2026 (SARA 2026)

Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) 2026 is a government assistance programme designed to support Malaysians most affected by the rising cost of living.

Unlike cash aid, SARA is provided as cashless assistance:

• Credited directly into the recipient’s MyKad

• Used only for purchasing essential goods

• Redeemable at registered supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide

Recipients do not receive cash or bank transfers. Instead, the assistance is spent through MyKad at checkout counters.

How SARA 2026 Works

SARA 2026 operates through a simple, automatic system:

• Eligible recipients are identified through STR 2026 and eKasih data

• Monthly assistance is credited automatically into MyKad

• No application is required

• The balance can be used to buy approved essential items only

The credit cannot be withdrawn as cash, transferred, or used for non-essential purchases.

Eligibility Criteria for SARA 2026

SARA 2026 eligibility is divided into two main categories.

Category 1: Miskin Tegar & eKasih Recipients

Eligible individuals must:

• Be Malaysian citizens

• Have an approved STR 2026 status (Household, Single, or Senior Citizen without spouse)

• Be listed in the eKasih database based on the latest government verification

This group receives the highest level of monthly assistance.

Category 2: STR 2026 Recipients (Non-eKasih)

Eligible individuals must:

• Be Malaysian citizens

• Have STR 2026 approved

• Not necessarily be listed under eKasih

The government conducts periodic eKasih reviews throughout 2026, meaning eligibility may change across different phases.

SARA 2026 One-Off Assistance for All

In addition to monthly SARA payments, the government introduced a one-off RM100 SARA assistance:

• Available to all Malaysians aged 18 and above

• No STR requirement

• Credited into MyKad on 9 February 2026

• Intended to help with festive and daily expenses, including preparation for major celebrations

This is a nationwide benefit estimated to reach over 20 million Malaysians.

SARA 2026 Assistance Amount (Monthly)

In 2026, the government restructured SARA so the support is more targeted and fair, based on the recipient’s category and vulnerability level. 

SARA 2026 Payment Dates

Source: FAQ SARA 2026 LHDN

Key payment timelines to note:

• Monthly SARA credits begin on 9 January 2026

• Payments continue every month until December 2026

• One-off RM100 is credited on 9 February 2026

• Any unused SARA balance can be used until 31 December 2026

Households

Senior Citizens Without Spouse

Singles

What Can Be Purchased with SARA

Recipients can use SARA to purchase more than 90,000 approved items across 14 essential categories, including:

Items outside these categories are not eligible, even if a sufficient balance remains.

Where SARA Can Be Used

SARA can be used at over 4,100 registered MyKasih partner stores nationwide, including:

• Major supermarket chains (e.g. Mydin, Giant, HeroMarket)

• Selected retail outlets

• Local grocery stores registered under MyKasih

Store availability may vary by location. Check the full location in here.

How to Check SARA 2026 Status

Recipients can check their status and balance through:

STR Portal

1. Visit the official STR portal.

2. Log in using your MyKad number and password.

3. Go to the menu “Semakan Permohonan”.

4. The system will show:

   • Your STR and SARA status

   • Payment information

   • Payment dates (if applicable)

MyKasih Portal

1. Visit the official MyKasih SARA checking page.

2. Enter your MyKad number (without dashes).

3. Click “Semak Status”.

4. You will be able to view:

• Your SARA eligibility status

• Your current balance

• Your registered store list (nearby participating outlets)

How to Use SARA 2026 with MyKad

Using SARA at checkout is straightforward:

1. Select approved essential items

2. Present your MyKad to the cashier

3. Items are scanned to confirm eligibility

4. Payment is deducted automatically from the SARA balance

5. Keep the receipt for reference

If the total purchase exceeds the available balance, the difference must be paid separately.

Video Tutorial: 

MyKasih App

The MyKasih mobile app, available on both Android and iOS, allows users to:

• Check SARA balance

• View transaction history

• Find registered stores nearby

Additional Information & Support

For official information and updates, refer to:

• STR Portal

• SARA Portal

• MyKasih Portal

For assistance, recipients may contact the MyKasih helpline during office hours:

• Phone number: 03-7720 1800

• Operational Hours: Monday to Friday (8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.)

FAQs

Do I need to apply for SARA 2026?

No. Eligibility is determined automatically.

Why do recipients receive different amounts?

Amounts depend on household category, STR status, and eKasih records.

Can SARA be withdrawn as cash?

No. SARA is strictly cashless.

Does the SARA balance expire?

Balances can be used until 31 December 2026.

What if my MyKad is lost or damaged?

You must replace your MyKad at JPN and inform MyKasih for account updates.

What happens if my purchase exceeds my balance?

You must pay the remaining amount using another payment method.

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