Semakan SARA 2026: Recipient Categories, Payment Dates and How to Use MyKad

Semakan SARA 2026 is one of the most searched topics following the government’s announcement of new cost-of-living support under the MADANI framework. Many Malaysians want to know what Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) actually is, who qualifies, how much support they will receive, and how to use it through MyKad.

This guide explains SARA 2026 in a clear, step-by-step way, based strictly on official government and MyKasih materials, so you can understand how the programme works without confusion.

Overview of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA)

Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, or SARA, is a targeted government assistance programme created to help Malaysians cope with the rising cost of living. Instead of giving cash, SARA provides cashless support that can only be used for essential daily items.

The assistance is credited directly into a recipient’s MyKad and can be used at thousands of registered supermarkets and retail stores across Malaysia. This design ensures that the aid is spent on necessities such as food, personal care items, and household essentials, rather than being withdrawn as cash.

In 2026, SARA continues to support vulnerable groups while also expanding coverage through new initiatives announced by the government.

STR and SARA Updates for 2026

During the New Year Address on 5 January 2026, the government announced several important updates involving Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and SARA.

One key change is that monthly SARA assistance now reaches up to RM200, depending on eligibility, and payments began earlier in the year. The government also introduced SARA for All, a one-off assistance meant to provide immediate relief to a much wider group of Malaysians.

At the same time, STR Phase 1 payments were confirmed, reinforcing the government’s approach of combining direct cash aid with controlled, cashless assistance under the MADANI framework.

Together, these measures aim to balance immediate support with long-term targeted assistance.

SARA RM100 One-Off for All Malaysians (2026)

One of the biggest questions Malaysians ask is about the RM100 SARA for All announced for 2026.

This assistance is a one-time credit of RM100, given to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, regardless of income level or STR status.

There is no application required. The RM100 is credited automatically into MyKad and can be used in the same way as regular SARA, for approved essential items only.

The government scheduled this one-off credit to be paid on 9 February 2026, allowing most Malaysians to benefit from basic cost-of-living support, even if they are not STR recipients.

Eligibility for SARA 2026

Eligibility for SARA 2026 depends on which part of the programme you fall under.

For monthly SARA, eligibility is mainly tied to STR 2026 approval and eKasih records. Malaysians who are classified as Miskin Tegar or Miskin eKasih receive higher monthly support, while other STR recipients receive standard monthly amounts.

For SARA for All, eligibility is much broader. Any Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above qualifies, even if they have never applied for STR.

It is important to note that:

• No manual application is needed

• Eligibility is determined automatically

• eKasih records are reviewed in phases throughout the year

This means eligibility can change depending on updated household data.

SARA 2026 Assistance Amount (Monthly)

The amount of SARA assistance varies based on category and household status.

Here is a summary of monthly and annual SARA amounts:

Payment Dates for SARA 2026

SARA is credited monthly, and payments are usually made at the start of each month.

For January 2026, payments were credited slightly later, on 9 January 2026. After that, payments continue monthly based on eligibility status. The one-off SARA for All payment was scheduled for 9 February 2026.

Any unused SARA balance:

• Carries forward to the next month

• Remains valid until 31 December 2026

• Expires automatically after that date

How SARA Is Paid

SARA is not paid like a normal cash aid programme. Instead of being sent to a bank account, SARA is delivered through a cashless credit system linked to MyKad, so the assistance can be used directly for basic necessities in registered stores.

Here’s how the payment mechanism works in practice:

Credited Into MyKad, Not a Bank Account

Once you’re eligible, an account is created under the MyKasih system using your MyKad. Your SARA assistance is then credited into that MyKad-linked account.

Cashless Only (Cannot Be Withdrawn)

You cannot take SARA out as cash. It can only be used for eligible purchases at participating supermarkets and retailers.

Monthly Credit for Eligible Recipients

For monthly SARA recipients, the credit is added according to the programme’s payment schedule. You don’t need to “claim” it manually, because it is credited automatically.

Only for Approved Essential Categories

The credit is restricted to essential goods under the approved categories. If an item is not eligible, the SARA balance will not cover it.

Unused Balance Carries Forward

If you don’t finish the credit in one month, the remaining amount stays in your balance and can be used in later months together with the next monthly credit.

Balance Expires at the End of the Programme Period

Any remaining balance that is not used by 31 December 2026 will expire automatically.

How to Check SARA 2026 Status

There are two official ways to check your SARA status.

Recipients can check their status and balance through:

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)

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)

How to Use SARA with MyKad

Using SARA is very similar to a normal checkout, except your MyKad acts as the payment method, and the system will only cover items that fall under the approved SARA categories. Once you know the flow, it becomes quick and routine.

Here’s how it typically works in a registered store:

1. Pick Only Eligible Essentials (Look for the Label)

Start by choosing daily necessities that fall under the approved categories. In many stores, eligible items are marked with SARA/MyKasih labels on the price tag area or shelf. 

2. Show Your MyKad at the Cashier

When you’re ready to pay, present your MyKad to confirm you are the recipient and to activate the SARA payment check.

3. Secure Your MyKad PIN (If You Haven’t Done So Yet)

If your MyKad is still using a temporary PIN, you will need to update it to a new 6-digit PIN for transaction security. This is a one-time setup step, but it’s important because every purchase uses this PIN.

4. The Cashier Scans the Selected Items

The system will automatically recognise which items are eligible under SARA and which ones are not.

5. Enter Your 6-digit PIN to Approve the Purchase

After scanning is done, you’ll key in your MyKad PIN to confirm the transaction. The eligible amount will be deducted automatically from your SARA balance in MyKad.

6. Keep Your Receipt (It Helps You Track Your Balance)

Always keep the receipt. It acts as proof of purchase and is also useful for checking your remaining SARA balance after the transaction.

If your total bill is higher than your remaining SARA balance, SARA will cover what it can for eligible items, and you will need to pay the extra amount separately using cash or another payment method.

Video Tutorial: Panduan Membeli Barangan Menggunakan MyKad (SARA)

Items That Can Be Purchased Using 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.

Items Not Allowed Under SARA

SARA is meant for basic necessities, so some products are blocked even if they are sold in the same store. If a customer tries to include these items in the same checkout, the SARA balance won’t cover them, and they’ll need to pay using cash or another payment method.

Using the MyKasih App to Check Eligible Items

If you don’t want to guess whether a product can be paid for using SARA, the MyKasih app is the easiest way to check before you reach the cashier. It helps you confirm whether an item is eligible, browse what categories are allowed, and find registered stores that support SARA.

Here’s how to use it in a practical, step-by-step way:

Download the MyKasih app

Get it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Open the App and Log In (If Needed)

The app may ask for login details, but some functions can still be used without logging in.

Use the Barcode Scan Feature

Look for the feature called “Imbas Kod Bar” or “Scan Barcode” inside the app.

Scan the Product Barcode While You’re In-store

Once you scan the barcode, the app will tell you whether the product is eligible to be purchased using SARA.

Browse the Approved Catalogue and Categories

The app also shows approved product categories and a catalogue of eligible items, so you can plan your shopping faster.

Locate Nearby Registered Stores

If you’re unsure where SARA can be used, the app can help you find registered stores near your area that accept SARA transactions.

Tips for Using SARA Wisely

SARA works best when it is treated as a monthly essentials budget, not an extra cash bonus. Because it is cashless, category-based, and tied to MyKad, a bit of planning can help you avoid rejected items at checkout and make sure the balance lasts until the end of the month.

Below are practical tips based on how SARA is actually used in stores.

Plan Your Shopping Early in the Month

SARA is credited monthly, and the unused balance carries forward, but essentials are often needed regularly.

Try to do your main essentials run early in the month. This helps you secure key items like rice, cooking oil, and household supplies. You avoid rushing to spend the balance at the last minute

Early planning is especially helpful for families with fixed monthly grocery needs.

Focus on Essential and Long-lasting Items First

Because SARA can only be used for approved categories, it is best spent on items you know you will definitely need.

Prioritise items such as:

• Rice, flour, cooking oil

• Instant noodles, canned food

• Household cleaning products

• Personal care items

• School supplies

These items have a longer shelf life, so you don’t feel pressured to spend everything at once.

Always Check Item Eligibility Before Checkout

Not all items in a supermarket are eligible under SARA, even if they are daily-use items. To avoid confusion:

• Use the MyKasih app to scan barcodes

• Look for MyKasih labels on shelves

• Separate non-eligible items in your basket

So, the checkout process can be smoother, and you can avoid surprises when payment is declined for certain items.

Combine SARA with Cash When Needed

It’s normal to buy both eligible and non-eligible items in one trip. A practical approach:

• Let SARA cover approved essentials first

• Pay the remaining items using cash, debit, or e-wallet

• Don’t worry if the total bill exceeds your SARA balance. you only pay the difference

Keep Your MyKad in Good Condition

Since SARA transactions rely entirely on MyKad:

• Make sure your MyKad is not damaged

• Keep it clean and readable

• Avoid bending or scratching it

If MyKad cannot be read at the counter, SARA cannot be used for that transaction.

Remember Your 6-digit MyKad PIN

Every SARA transaction requires your MyKad PIN. To avoid delays:

• Memorise your PIN

• Do not share it with others

• Reset it early if you’ve forgotten

Forgotten PINs are one of the most common reasons transactions fail at checkout.

Save Your Receipts After Each Purchase

Receipts are more useful than many people realise. They help you to track how much SARA balance was used. On the receipt, you can also check the remaining balance printed on the receipt. Having receipts also helps to refer back if there is any transaction issue.

Check Your Balance Regularly

Don’t wait until checkout to find out your balance. You can check your SARA balance via:

• MyKasih portal

• MyKasih mobile app

• Your latest purchase receipt

Regular checks help you decide what to buy now and what to postpone to the next month.

Treat SARA as Support, Not Full Coverage

SARA is designed to support basic needs, not replace full grocery spending.

A realistic mindset:

• Use SARA to reduce essential costs

• Use personal funds for fresh items, non-essentials, or bulk purchases

• Stretch SARA across the month rather than spending it all at once

This way, SARA becomes a steady cushion rather than a one-time spend.

Additional Information & Support

For official information and support:

• STR Portal: https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my/

• SARA Portal: https://www.sara.gov.my/

• MyKasih Portal: www.mykasih.com.my

• MyKasih Helpline: 03-7720 1800

FAQs

How much SARA will I receive each month?

The monthly SARA amount depends on your STR category and whether your household is listed under Miskin Tegar or eKasih. In general:

• Eligible STR recipients receive RM50 to RM100 per month

• Miskin Tegar or eKasih households may receive up to RM200 per month

• Single individuals (non-STR) may receive RM50 per month

The exact amount is determined automatically based on official records and the approval phase.

Do I need to apply for SARA?

No. You do not need to submit a separate application for SARA. Eligibility for SARA 2026 is:

• Determined automatically

• Based on STR 2026 approval and eKasih data

• Reviewed in phases throughout the year

If you are eligible, the assistance will be credited without any manual action.

How do I check my SARA balance?

You can check your SARA balance through several official channels:

• MyKasih portal (by entering your MyKad number)

• MyKasih mobile app

• Purchase receipts, which usually show the remaining balance after each transaction

Checking your balance regularly helps you plan your monthly spending better.

Can the unused balance be carried forward?

Yes. Any unused SARA balance will be carried forward to the next month and can be used together with the new monthly credit.

However, it’s important to note that:

• All remaining SARA balances will expire on 31 December 2026

• Unused balance after this date cannot be carried into the next year

What happens if my purchase exceeds my SARA balance?

If your total purchase is higher than your available SARA balance, SARA will cover eligible items up to the remaining balance, and you will need to pay the difference separately. Payment can be made using cash or other accepted payment methods

This commonly happens when buying a mix of eligible and non-eligible items in one basket.

Where can I use SARA?

SARA can be used at registered supermarkets and retail stores nationwide that participate in the MyKasih programme.

These include large supermarket chains, mini markets, and selected independent grocery stores. You can check the list of participating stores through the MyKasih portal or mobile app.

What should I do if my MyKad is lost or damaged?

If your MyKad is lost or damaged:

• Contact the MyKasih Helpline as soon as possible

• A manual purchase exception may be allowed for one transaction only

• After that, purchases can only be made using a replacement MyKad

Since SARA transactions rely fully on MyKad, keeping it in good condition is essential.

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