Cash payment counters available for STR, SARA recipients without bank accounts

KUCHING: Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) is a government assistance programme aimed at low- and middle-income groups who are truly eligible and in need, helping them cope with the rising cost of living and increasing prices of goods.

The revised subsidy targeting has enabled the government to enhance and increase cash contributions to the people through STR, ensuring that low-income households continue to receive the appropriate aid.

“This initiative reflects the government’s concern for those in need and has a significant impact on the people. The assistance is provided to all eligible recipients regardless of race, religion, or political background,” according to a press statement, Friday (Oct 11).

Therefore, the Ministry of Finance, in strategic cooperation with the Sarawak Treasury (PMSarawak), Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDNM), the Sarawak government, and other relevant agencies, will open cash payment counters for the 2024 STR and SARA for recipients without bank accounts in rural Sarawak.

“Below are the locations and dates according to the designated zones: Southern Zone covering Sri Aman, Betong, and Samarahan Divisions ,Sri Krian Community Hall on Oct 19-20, Saturday and Sunday, Mesra Hall, Simunjan Oct 19-20, Saturday and Sunday,
Lingga District Office on Nov 23, Saturday, Sebuyau Area Fishermen’s Association Hall (PENESA) on Nov 23, Saturday) and Tebedu Community Hall on Nov 23-24, Saturday and Sunday.

“While for Central Zone covering Julau and Mukah Divisions at Dalat Unity Stadium on Nov 9,
on Saturday, Daro Community Hall on Nov 9, ,Saturday, Julau Community Hall on Nov 16, Saturday and Pakan Square (near Pakan Community Hall) on Nov 16, Saturday.

“For the Northern Zone covering Bintulu and Miri Divisions
Bakong Secondary School Hall, Miri on Oct 26, Saturday, Bekenu Community Hall on Oct 26-27, on Saturday and Sunday, Kee Tee Chinese School Hall, Long Lama on Oct 26-27, Saturday and Sunday, Lamin Adet Bangen Kimet Uma Baha Hall, Apau Koyan, Sg. Asap on Nov 2-3, Saturday and Sunday,
Tatau Primary School Hall on Nov 2-3, Saturday – and Sunday and Sebauh Community Hall on Nov 9, Saturday,

“To ensure the smooth execution of the programme, registered recipients or heirs are required to adhere to the following to attend on the specified date (as indicated on the invitation letter sent to the recipient’s address / refer to the nearest District Office / Sub-District Office) to avoid overcrowding.

“Payment time is as follows at 8.30am to 4.30pm (except at Lingga District Office, 8.30am to 2pm) and priority for senior recipients aged 60 and above with dedicated lanes/counters),” it said.

Recipients are advised to bring the original MyKad / MyKid / Birth Certificate for verification at the specified location.

If the recipient or registered heir cannot attend the payment location on the designated date, payment can still be made at any nearby Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branch before Dec 31, 2024.

For further enquiries, contact: BKK LHDNM Hotline: 1-800-88-2747, STR MOF Hotline: 03-8882 4565 / 03-8882 4566, Website: https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my