901,555 Sarawakians benefit from Rahmah cash aid, including 88,855 in Kota Samarahan

Armizan (standing left) engages residents when officiating the Sentuhan Kasih and Rahmah Madani Sale Programme in Kota Samarahan on Sept 16, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Sept 16: A total of 901,555 people in Sarawak have benefited from the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR), including 88,855 recipients in the Kota Samarahan parliamentary constituency.

Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the figures reflected the scale of government cash assistance aimed at helping Malaysians cope with the rising cost of living.

He said those most in need could now receive up to RM4,600 a year through STR and the Rahmah Basic Aid (SARA), compared with just RM500 a year in 2012.

“If in 2012, those most in need received only RM500 a year, now in 2026, they are receiving RM4,600 a year, including SARA,” he said when officiating the Sentuhan Kasih and Rahmah Madani Sale Programme here today, as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

Armizan said the Rahmah Madani Sale had been institutionalised as an official and permanent government programme in 2023 to enable consumers to purchase daily necessities at more affordable prices.

He said the programme had since been enhanced to broaden its reach and ensure communities could benefit from it more consistently.

Among the improvements was a target of at least three Rahmah Madani Sale programmes each month in every state constituency (DUN), he said.

“This allows the programme to be implemented more consistently and not depend solely on the presence of leaders or the organisation of specific events,” he said.

Armizan said the programme had also been expanded through strategic partnerships with retailers, including sundry shops and supermarkets, allowing more premises to offer Rahmah Madani Sale benefits to consumers.

He said access had also been widened through three delivery models, including sales held inside business premises, outside premises and through mobile outlets.

“Now we have three methods. Some are held inside premises, some outside premises and some are mobile, as is the case today. This provides greater access and allows us to reach villages,” he said.

Also present were Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim KPDN Sarawak director Matthew Dominic Barin. — DayakDaily