Eligible Malaysians will receive RM100 in Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, or SARA, assistance on two separate occasions in 2027 under measures announced during the tabling of Budget 2027. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, said the government will allocate RM16 billion for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, or STR, and SARA assistance programmes next year. This represents an increase from the RM15 billion allocated for the programmes this year.
The expanded assistance is expected to benefit up to nine million STR recipients and around 13 million Malaysians overall, including people within the M40 income group. The government is also widening where SARA can be used, with selected fresh and perishable food purchases at FAMA markets to be included next year.
RM16 Billion Allocated For STR And SARA
Budget 2027 increases the combined allocation for STR and SARA to RM16 billion. These programmes remain among the government's main forms of targeted financial assistance, providing support to households and individuals based on eligibility criteria. The larger allocation indicates that cost-of-living assistance will continue to form a significant part of government spending next year.
Anwar said the programmes could collectively reach around 13 million Malaysians. This includes existing STR recipients as well as eligible individuals outside the programme who will receive assistance through SARA. The coverage will also extend to some Malaysians within the M40 income category.
STR Recipients Can Receive Up To RM1,800 A Year
Under the 2027 arrangement, eligible STR recipients can receive assistance of up to RM150 per month. That works out to a maximum of RM1,800 annually for recipients who qualify for the highest level of assistance. The amount provides recurring support rather than relying entirely on one-off payments.
STR remains focused on providing direct financial support to eligible households and individuals, while SARA is structured around helping recipients purchase basic necessities. Together, the two programmes are intended to ease some of the pressure caused by everyday living expenses.
RM100 SARA Payment For Malaysians Aged 18 And Above
Malaysians aged 18 and above who are not enrolled in the STR programme will instead receive RM100 in SARA assistance. The government plans to distribute this payment twice during 2027, giving eligible recipients a total of RM200 across the two occasions.
The first RM100 distribution will take place before Hari Raya Aidilfitri. A second RM100 payment will be distributed in conjunction with Malaysia's 70th National Day celebrations. Anwar did not announce the exact payment dates during the Budget 2027 presentation.
First Payment Before Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The timing of the first payment is intended to provide additional support ahead of the Hari Raya festive period. Household spending typically increases around major celebrations due to expenses involving food, travel and other necessities. Providing the assistance before Aidilfitri gives recipients an opportunity to use the support during this higher-spending period.
The government has not yet disclosed the specific crediting date or detailed mechanism for the 2027 payment. More information is expected closer to the distribution period, including confirmation of eligibility and how recipients can check their status.
Second Payment To Mark Malaysia's 70th National Day
The second RM100 SARA distribution will coincide with Malaysia's 70th National Day celebration. Malaysia will mark the milestone in 2027, and the payment will provide another round of assistance to eligible adults during the year.
As with the Aidilfitri payment, no exact date has been provided yet. The government is expected to issue further information before the distribution takes place. Eligible Malaysians should therefore monitor official announcements as the respective payment periods approach.
SARA Expands To Fresh And Perishable Food
Budget 2027 also expands the types of products that can be purchased using SARA assistance. Recipients will be able to use the benefit for fresh produce and other perishable food items at selected markets operating under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority, or FAMA. This broadens the programme beyond packaged and shelf-stable necessities.
The expanded coverage will apply across 216 farmers' markets and tamu markets nationwide. This could give recipients more flexibility when buying everyday food such as fresh ingredients while also directing spending towards local agricultural traders and producers.
Supporting Local Markets At The Same Time
Allowing SARA to be used at FAMA markets gives the programme a broader economic role. Besides helping households purchase essential food, the spending can also flow directly to local farmers, traders and small food businesses. This creates a connection between household assistance and support for the domestic agricultural economy.
The expansion may be particularly useful for recipients who regularly purchase fresh produce from nearby farmers' markets rather than supermarkets. Making more types of food eligible gives households greater freedom to use the aid according to their normal shopping habits.
More Than RM80 Billion For Subsidies And Assistance
Beyond STR and SARA, the government plans to allocate more than RM80 billion towards subsidies, financial assistance and incentives in 2027. This highlights the scale of government spending aimed at reducing living costs and supporting different groups across the economy.
Approximately RM40 billion of that amount will go towards fuel subsidies. Fuel support therefore remains one of the largest individual components of the broader subsidy framework. These measures sit alongside direct cash and basic-needs assistance provided through programmes such as STR and SARA.
RM3.3 Billion For Social Welfare Assistance
Around RM3.3 billion will also be channelled towards assistance administered through the Social Welfare Department. These programmes typically support vulnerable groups who require more targeted help beyond broader cost-of-living initiatives.
Together with STR, SARA and other subsidy measures, the allocation forms part of a wider social assistance framework under Budget 2027. The government is combining direct payments, targeted subsidies and welfare programmes rather than relying on a single form of assistance.
Final Thoughts
Budget 2027 will see the government distribute RM100 in SARA assistance twice next year to eligible Malaysians aged 18 and above who are outside the STR programme. The first payment will arrive before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, while the second will coincide with Malaysia's 70th National Day, giving eligible recipients RM200 in total across the two distributions.
At the same time, the combined STR and SARA allocation will rise to RM16 billion, with STR recipients eligible for up to RM150 per month or RM1,800 annually. Expanding SARA to fresh produce and perishable food at 216 FAMA markets also makes the programme more flexible, while the wider Budget 2027 subsidy package continues to provide substantial support for households facing everyday living costs.
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