Govt introduces point-of-sale system to help small retailers join SARA programme

Small retailers will be able to join the SARA programme more easily through a new POS system provided under the government’s expansion efforts.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 24: The government has introduced a new point-of-sale (POS) system for small retailers participating in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, in a move aimed at lowering entry barriers and expanding the initiative’s reach to more community-based businesses.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the initiative was intended to encourage greater participation among small retailers, many of whom may not have the financial capacity to invest in the digital infrastructure required under the programme.

“Sometimes for small shops, one of the criteria for joining SARA is having a system that can be used. For some of these retailers, they may not be able to afford such a system.

“Under our current efforts, we have provided a new POS system for small retailers so they do not have to invest in a complex system themselves,” he said during a visit to a SARA programme outlet here today.

He said the move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the SARA ecosystem by increasing the number of participating retailers and improving accessibility for recipients.

According to him, the programme has expanded significantly since its introduction in 2024, growing from just 700 participating outlets nationwide to more than 13,500 today.

He said the expansion was aimed at making it more convenient for recipients to access essential goods while also creating opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the programme.

“We want not only the recipients to benefit, but also local businesses. The more retailers and shops we have, the better the ecosystem becomes,” he said.

Amir added that the government is also working to increase the availability of locally produced goods within the SARA network, including products made by local entrepreneurs.

He noted that nearly 150,000 products are currently available under the programme nationwide.

In Sarawak, he said about 1,450 SARA outlets are currently operating with utilisation of the assistance programme exceeding 99.5 per cent.

He attributed the high utilisation rate partly to the programme’s IC-based system, which allows recipients to access their benefits without requiring additional applications or complex procedures.

“With the use of ICs and digital technology, we have been able to make service delivery easier for the people,” he said. — DayakDaily