Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted at “good news” for all Malaysians through a special announcement.
On July 23 (Wednesday), the announcement was made via a live broadcast, stating that all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 payment under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme.
What to buy: Purchase items under 14 approved categories!
The National Registration Department (JPN) recently shared on Facebook how Malaysians can make the most of the SARA cash aid, along with a simple step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively.
SARA cash aid will be credited to the recipient’s MyKad for the purchase of items under 14 categories of basic necessities at over 4,100 selected stores nationwide.
How to use: You’ll need a new 6-digit PIN
According to the Ministry, any unused balance will be carried forward to the next month, and purchases can be made throughout the year until 31 December 2025.
Here’s how to use it:
- Aid recipients can purchase items from 14 approved product categories labelled with the SARA and MyKasih tags on the price racks
- Show your MyKad for verification, and the cashier will verify the recipient’s MyKad status
- Recipients must change their temporary PIN (first 6 digits of MyKad) to a new personal PIN*
- The cashier will scan each essential food item based on the approved categories
- Recipients will pay using MyKad and enter their 6-digit PIN to confirm the purchase transaction
- Recipients should keep the receipt for transaction verification
*According to netizens, the new PIN can be set up during payment at the cashier counters.
Meanwhile, information about the remaining balance, list of eligible items, and nearby store locations can be checked through the MyKasih app (Apple Store or Google Play) or via their website.
What to do if your MyKad is old or damaged
However, if your MyKad shows signs of damage, JPN has assured that Malaysians can easily get a replacement by following these simple steps:
- Ensure there are visible signs of damage, such as an unreadable chip or a cracked card
- Visit your nearest JPN branch
- Take a queue number under the “Damaged” category
- Submit your MyKad along with your personal information
- Pay the replacement fee: RM10 for MyKad, or RM40 for MyKas and MyPR
Malaysians who have not changed their MyKad in over 10 years are also strongly encouraged to renew their MyKad to ensure a smooth process when the RM100 cash aid is disbursed.
JPN also noted that the replacement process at State Headquarters, JPN UTC branches, and selected JPN branches takes approximately 30 minutes. For other JPN branches, the replacement process takes 5 working days in Peninsular Malaysia and 7 working days in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
Also read: PMX Special Announcement: RM100 Aid, Additional Public Holiday & More for Malaysians!
