Sumbangan Asas Rahmah
SARA: what you need to know
Rules as of 1 October 2026. Every statement links to its source.
What you need to know now
- Unused 2026 SARA credit must be used by 31 December 2026. (SARA 2026 FAQ (questions 16–17 on expiry and carry-over))
- Monthly credits started on 9 January 2026 for households and seniors, and on 16 January for singles. (MOF media statement — SARA monthly credit from 9 January 2026)
- Unused monthly credit carries over within the year, until the year-end expiry. (SARA 2026 FAQ (questions 16–17 on expiry and carry-over))
Am I eligible?
- SARA goes to STR recipients. You do not apply separately: the credit is put on your MyKad. (MOF press citation (Bernama): monthly SARA aid credited)
- Monthly amounts depend on your STR category: RM100 for households, RM50 for seniors without a spouse and RM50 for singles. People listed as poor or hardcore poor in eKasih get RM200, RM150 and RM100. (MOF press citation (Bernama): monthly SARA aid credited)
- SARA untuk Semua: a one-off RM100 credit for every Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above, credited from 9 February 2026 and usable until 31 December 2026. (MOF media statement — SARA untuk Semua from 9 February 2026)
When is it paid?
| What | Date | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly credits begin (households, seniors) | 9 January 2026 | Done | MOF media statement — SARA monthly credit from 9 January 2026 |
| Monthly credits begin (singles) | 16 January 2026 | Done | MOF media statement — SARA monthly credit from 9 January 2026 |
| SARA untuk Semua: RM100 for every adult citizen | 9 February 2026 | Done | MOF media statement — SARA untuk Semua from 9 February 2026 |
| All 2026 credit expires | 31 December 2026 | Announced | SARA 2026 FAQ (questions 16–17 on expiry and carry-over) |
How to check or appeal
- Go to the official SARA site. Type the address yourself rather than following a link from a message. sara.gov.my ↗
- Check your balance and the list of approved goods there, or ask at a participating store when you tap your MyKad.
- Spend it at participating stores by tapping your MyKad. No app or registration is needed.
- Never share your IC number, bank details or OTP with anyone offering to 'activate' or 'top up' SARA. Real SARA credit needs no activation.
What changed
- 9 January 2026: 2026 monthly credits began. (MOF media statement — SARA monthly credit from 9 January 2026)
Questions
What happens to SARA credit I don't use?
Monthly credit carries over within 2026, but anything unused on 31 December 2026 expires. (SARA 2026 FAQ (questions 16–17 on expiry and carry-over))
Can I withdraw SARA as cash?
No. SARA is credit on your MyKad for approved basic goods at participating stores, not cash. (SARA 2026 FAQ (questions 16–17 on expiry and carry-over))
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