PETALING JAYA: The government will increase the amount of Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) from RM300 last year to RM500 per household in the first phase this year, says the Finance Ministry.

       In a statement on Friday (Jan 26), it said this would amount to a 26% increase in allocation to RM2.1bil from RM1.67bil last year, as an effort to assist the needy with their living expenses.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative was to help support the rising cost of living and ensure the people are not left behind.

       "Every time I meet the people, the main thing mentioned is the burden of living costs which is increasing faster than their income.

       "I (feel) this pain, therefore the government is actively trying to ensure that government assistance can be increased so this basic problem can be solved and no people are left behind," said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.

       Starting Monday (Jan 29), payment of STR in its first phase for registered recipients will be credited into their bank accounts or channelled in cash through Bank Simpanan Nasional in stages, according to their eligibility.

       At present, 8.2 million individuals who are eligible have registered for STR 2024 and the number is expected to reach nine million for this year with new registrations.

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       Tan Sri Ir Dr Lim Hock San is MGB Berhad group executive chairman