KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) targeted subsidy programme for this year begins in stages from Monday (Jan 22), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

       He said in a Facebook post that Sara has been improved with the allocation increased more than five-fold to RM700 million compared to RM130 million last year.

       ALSO READ: Sara aid doubled to RM1,200, up from RM600 last year

       He said the much larger allocation had also enabled the government to increase the number of Sara recipients to 700,000, compared to 210,000 last year.

       "The amount of assistance is also increased to RM1,200, double the amount from last year,” he said.

       The Prime Minister said that Malaysia's economic transformation begins by uplifting the status of the people; hence, the improvement of the SARA programme is the first step in addressing wealth disparities and building an inclusive society, as envisioned in the Madani Economy framework.

       He added that the government will also announce further improvements to other assistance programmes to uplift the economy of vulnerable groups and uphold the principle of equality. - Bernama

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