What Is SARA Bujang 2026 and Who Is Eligible

For many single Malaysians, managing daily expenses can be challenging, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. In response, the government introduced SARA Bujang 2026, a targeted assistance programme designed to support essential spending.

Under this programme, eligible Bujang recipients receive monthly, cashless assistance through MyKad, ensuring the support is spent on daily necessities rather than withdrawn as cash.

What Is SARA?

Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) is a government assistance programme introduced under Belanjawan 2026 to help Malaysians manage the rising cost of living. The programme is part of the Payung Rahmah initiative led by the Ministry of Finance, with a strong focus on ensuring access to basic daily necessities.

Unlike traditional cash aid, SARA is provided in a cashless format. Each month, eligible recipients receive a credit that is deposited directly into their MyKad. This credit cannot be withdrawn as cash and is not transferred into any bank account. Instead, it is specifically reserved for purchasing essential items.

SARA is designed to be used only at selected MyKasih partner stores across Malaysia. This structure ensures that government assistance is spent on necessities such as food, household supplies, and basic personal care items, rather than on non-essential purchases.

Overview of SARA Bujang 2026

For 2026, the government introduced a key change for the Bujang (single individual) category.

Previously, eligible Bujang recipients received assistance mainly through cash payments under STR. Starting in 2026, this approach has been adjusted. Instead of receiving cash, eligible Bujang recipients now receive a monthly SARA credit through their MyKad.

This shift serves two main purposes:

It ensures the assistance is used strictly for essential items
It helps Bujang recipients manage daily living expenses more consistently, month by month

In short, while the form of assistance has changed, support for Bujang recipients continues through a more structured and targeted system.

Who Is Eligible for SARA Bujang 2026

To qualify for SARA Bujang 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Malaysian citizen
Approved under STR 2026 (Bujang category)
Age:
- 21 to 59 years old
- 19 to 59 years old for persons with disabilities (OKU)
Monthly income of RM2,500 or below
Not a full-time student at any IPTA or IPTS

Eligibility is determined automatically based on government records. There is no separate application process for SARA.

SARA Bujang 2026 Assistance Amount

The amount of SARA received by Bujang recipients depends on income level and whether the individual is listed under eKasih (Miskin Tegar).

Monthly and Annual SARA Amounts for Bujang

Bujang Category	Monthly Amount	Annual Total
Bujang (income ≤ RM2,500)	RM50 per month	RM600 per year
Bujang Miskin Tegar (eKasih)	RM100 per month	RM1,200 per year

From 2026 onwards:

Bujang recipients no longer receive STR cash payments
Assistance is provided fully through monthly SARA credit
This credit is exclusively for essential purchases via MyKad

SARA Payment Dates 2026

SARA payments are credited automatically according to a fixed schedule set by the Ministry of Finance. For 2026:

SARA Bulanan for Bujang starts from 16 January 2026
SARA Bulanan for households and senior citizens starts earlier, on 9 January 2026
SARA One-Off (RM100 for all adults aged 18 and above) is credited on 9 February 2026

Once credited, the balance can be used at any time during the year. Any unused balance will remain valid until 31 December 2026.

How SARA Is Paid

SARA is paid through a dedicated cashless system linked to MyKad:

Credited directly into MyKad
Not paid into a bank account
Not reflected in payslips or salary records
Can be used throughout the year
Unused balance carries forward month to month until the programme ends

This system ensures that assistance remains focused on daily necessities and is easy to track.

What Can Be Purchased Using SARA

SARA can only be used to buy basic daily necessities from 14 approved categories. These include:

Rice
Cooking oil
Eggs
Bread
Flour
Instant noodles
Milk and beverages
Canned food
Biscuits
Seasonings
Personal care items
Basic non-prescription medicines
School supplies
Household cleaning items

Eligible products are usually labelled with SARA or MyKasih indicators at participating stores.

Items Not Allowed Under SARA

To maintain the programme’s purpose, certain items are strictly excluded. SARA cannot be used to purchase:

Cigarettes or vape products
Alcohol
Electrical appliances
Electronic devices or gadgets
Non-essential goods
Fresh or wet-market items such as fish, chicken, meat, vegetables, and fruits

These items must be paid for using other payment methods.

Where SARA Can Be Used

SARA purchases can only be made at MyKasih partner stores. These include:

Major supermarket chains
Mini markets
Selected local grocery shops

The list of participating stores is updated regularly and can be checked through:

The MyKasih website
The MyKasih mobile application
Dedicated store list articles

Store coverage continues to expand nationwide.

How to Buy Using MyKad

Using SARA at checkout is straightforward:

Choose items with SARA or MyKasih labels on the shelf
Present your MyKad at the cashier
The cashier scans eligible items only
Enter your 6-digit MyKad PIN to confirm the transaction
The payment is deducted automatically from your SARA balance
Keep the receipt for reference and balance tracking

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

How to Check SARA Status and Balance

You can check your SARA eligibility and balance through official channels:

SARA Portal: www.sara.gov.my
MyKasih Portal: www.mykasih.com.my/food-aid-programme/sara/
MySTR Portal
MyKasih mobile application

Your remaining balance can also be seen on the receipt after each purchase at a MyKasih store.

FAQs

Who qualifies for SARA Bujang 2026?

Malaysian citizens approved under STR 2026 in the Bujang category, meeting age and income requirements.

How much SARA credit will Bujang recipients receive each month?

RM50 per month, or RM100 per month for Bujang Miskin Tegar listed under eKasih.

Why is SARA not paid in cash or through a bank transfer?

To ensure assistance is used strictly for essential items and to support cost-of-living needs.

How can I check my SARA balance?

Through the MyKasih portal, MyKasih app, MySTR portal, or purchase receipts.

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

Contact the MyKasih helpline immediately. Limited manual assistance may be allowed temporarily.

Can SARA be used outside MyKasih partner stores?

No. SARA can only be used at registered MyKasih stores.

Does unused SARA balance expire monthly or yearly?

Unused balance carries forward monthly but will expire at the end of 31 December 2026.

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