Finance Ministry to roll out RM1.2b in STR cash aid for 5.3 million recipients from today

Putrajaya, Aug 15 — The Malaysian Ministry of Finance announced a new phase of cash assistance, known as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), targeting 5.3 million recipients. This third phase alone will see the allocation of RM1.2 billion, with payments beginning today. The recipient count has increased by 300,000 since the year's onset, expanding to five million.

Among these, 3.9 million are low- and middle-income households, while 1.4 million are single senior citizens. The distribution amounts vary, ranging from RM150 to RM600 based on income and number of dependents. Single senior citizens will receive RM150. The cumulative amount disbursed across the first three phases of 2026 stands at RM3.6 billion.

By August 2026, recipients can receive up to RM3,300 in total, combining STR Phases 1 to 3 and the monthly SARA basic aid, not including the one-off SARA payment for Malaysians aged 18 and above. The assistance program has been adjusted to offer more consistent support, disbursed quarterly for STR and monthly for SARA. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring aid reaches those in need, addressing the ongoing cost of living challenges.

The number of households receiving STR has risen from 3.7 million at the beginning of the year to 3.9 million for Phase 3. The restructuring of government finances and governance improvements have enabled more state revenue to be allocated to those in need, with the 2026 STR and SARA allocations totaling RM15 billion, the highest in federal history.

Bank account holders will receive STR Phase 3 payments via direct credit, while those without accounts can collect cash from any Bank Simpanan Nasional branch nationwide. To combat potential scams, new applications and appeals for STR remain open throughout the year via the official STR portal, with SARA FAQs accessible at sara.gov.my. The public is advised to verify information only through the official STR portal.