Sara aid expansion a win for seniors and small grocers.<\/p>\n
PETALING JAYA: The elderly no longer have to rely on their children for weekend grocery shopping at major supermarkets, as more small grocers begin participating in the government\u2019s Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme.<\/p>\n
Besides the added convenience, the move is also a boon for small sundry traders in local communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only does this increase their sales, it also makes life easier for elderly residents,\u201d Fede\u00adration of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia president Hong Chee Meng said when contacted yesterday.<\/p>\n
Although many small grocers were eager to participate in the programme when it was first introduced two years ago, Hong said it was initially carried out by large supermarkets and retail sundry outlets.<\/p>\n
Since then, he said, the Finance Ministry and relevant agencies have assisted in expanding the programme to include smaller grocers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 2025, the government significantly increased the Sara budget and expanded the list of beneficiaries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe total allocation reached about RM13.2bil, which is a substantial sum,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Hong explained that participa\u00adting grocers were also given flexibility regarding the items being purchased.<\/p>\n
While the Sara programme lists 14 categories of approved goods for purchase, he said small grocers can adapt based on what is available in-store.<\/p>\n
\u201cShops can scan items like noodles and rice without unnecessary delays. Some shops have seen profits up by 200%,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Hong said the federation\u2019s members have already begun processing Sara recipients\u2019 purchases after meeting the necessary criteria.<\/p>\n
When met, Tan Seok Moi, 70, said she previously had to wait for her children to accompany her when shopping at supermarkets, but she can now buy the items she needs at her local grocer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very convenient,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Another senior citizen, who wished to be named Sonia, 69, said she used to spend time queuing at nearby convenience stores, only to find that some items were not included in the programme before it was expanded.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sales personnel at the grocer now help me select eligible items. It saves me time and effort,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a grocer from Cheras, Chaang Tuck Cheong, said he was provided with training and scanning devices before the MyKasih programme was launched on Aug 31 last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy sales increased by 5-10% because customers not only bought the Sara-approved items but also other products,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Chaang recalled an incident where an elderly man was surprised upon discovering that he was entitled to RM800 in Sara assistance after scanning his MyKad.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was very grateful as the assistance helped reduce his daily expenses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Chaang also said many elderly people are unable to drive or take the bus to supermarkets, or are unwilling to spend extra on transport to purchase items amounting to only RM100.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, they can walk to our store, which is very convenient and a win-win for both sides,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The Finance Ministry announced earlier last month that the number of small shops participating in the Sara programme will increase to 10,000 by the end of 2026, complementing existing supermarket branches.<\/p>\n
As of Nov 23 last year, more than 3,000 small shops were involved out of 9,200 registered premises.\u2028<\/p>\n
On Jan 9, the Sara assistance began for five million household recipients and senior citizens without spouses, followed by 3.1 million single recipients on Jan 16.<\/p>\n
The one-off RM100 Sara assistance for all citizens aged 18 and above will begin on Feb 9.<\/p>\n