Kota Kinabalu 27 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Sabah has been urged to top up an additional RM100 to the existing Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance to better support low-income households facing rising living costs.
State Government Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Masiung Banah said the proposed increase would raise monthly aid to RM200 for nearly 498,000 targeted recipients across the state, providing more meaningful financial relief amid ongoing economic pressures.
He noted that the additional support could help households cope with inflation driven by global factors such as rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions, which have contributed to higher daily expenses.
Masiung added that if the state government has sufficient financial capacity, the proposed increase would significantly ease the burden on vulnerable groups, particularly those already struggling with basic necessities.
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The suggestion was raised during his debate on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman’s opening address, where broader concerns about cost-of-living challenges in Sabah were also highlighted.
SARA, a government assistance programme, provides cashless aid credited directly to recipients’ MyKad for the purchase of essential goods such as food, household items and basic necessities, forming part of wider efforts to support lower-income groups.
The proposal reflects growing calls for enhanced social support measures as households across the state continue to face economic strain and rising living costs.-The Capital Post