Technical issues with the MyKasih system during the disbursement of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid at counters were not unexpected, according to former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
He said concerns over the system’s reliance on IC verification at payment terminals had been raised earlier, noting that such operations were bound to be complex and prone to congestion.
“Many people asked why I wasn’t fully supportive of using ICs to redeem aid at counters from the start,” Rafizi said in a video posted on Facebook.
“I’ve voiced this concern for a long time. As reported, the MyKasih payment terminal system slowed down due to a surge in transactions.”
Rafizi added that the most effective method would be to channel aid directly via cash transfers using the government’s PADU (Pangkalan Data Utama) system.
“My view is clear — it’s better to provide direct cash transfers through PADU. It’s more sustainable, easier for the people, and less prone to technical issues. What matters most is that the aid reaches those in need,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he emphasised that government assistance should not be seen as one-off handouts or “cash is king” gestures, but rather as part of a broader economic reform.
He added, “If we want to do something, it must be based on structural economic reform. For example, my views on RON95 and even SARA, it shouldn’t feel like people are waiting around for a gift from the government.”
“When announcements like this are made, of course people will rush to buy. The government can’t then say, ‘Oh, too many people showed up.’ That’s expected.”
Rafizi also stressed that a better approach would be to implement a targeted social protection system using comprehensive data from PADU.
“With the data in PADU, we know each family’s financial status and dependents. If someone qualifies for RM300 a month, it can be deposited directly into their bank account monthly, based on set criteria,” he said.
Do you agree with his views? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: M’sians Are Reportedly Reselling SARA Groceries for Quick Cash, Says Consumer Group
