Fact Check: Viral Video Claims Malaysians Can Buy Beers with RM100 SARA Aid, MOF Responds

Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that all Malaysians aged 18 and above will get a one-off RM100 cash aid. The aid, under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, has since been distributed, and recipients can use their MyKad to purchase essential products at selected stores nationwide until the end of the year.

With that in mind, there has been a viral video circulating on social media claiming that the RM100 SARA aid can be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. Reposted by several social media accounts, the video shows beer products at a popular supermarket chain with the SARA, MyKasih and Malaysia Madani logos on the shelf.

Screenshot of the viral video

In one of the viral posts, a Facebook user even sarcastically asked whether the alcoholic beverages are “daily necessities”, as the SARA aid can only be used for essential products.

Ministry of Finance debunks viral video claiming that RM100 SARA aid can be used to buy alcoholic beverages

Screenshot of one of the viral posts

Following the social media posts catching traction online, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has issued a statement clarifying that the claim is false and nothing but slander.

The Ministry then advised the public to be wary of slander regarding the SARA programme and not to fall for fake messages on social media.

MOF further elaborated that the RM100 SARA aid can only be used to purchase 14 approved product categories, which are:

1. Rice
2. Bread
3. Biscuits
4. Flour
5. Seasoning (Example: Sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt)
6. Eggs
7. Cooking oil
8. Instant noodles
9. Beverages (Example: Milk, tea, coffee)
10. Canned food (Example: Sardines, tuna)
11. Personal hygiene products (Example: Toothpaste, sanitary pads, soap)
12. Medications (Those approved by the Ministry of Health)
13. School supplies (Example: Uniform, shoes, school bag, stationery)
14. Household cleaning products (Example: Detergent, dishwasher, floor cleaner)

“Remember, always check first and get valid information through MOF’s official channels”, stressed MOF.

For the full list of selected stores and supermarkets for the SARA programme, and how to make purchases using the aid, MOF urged Malaysians to visit the programme’s official website here.

So, what do you guys think of MOF’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

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