Lifeline for remote islanders as local outlet cuts travel burden for 25,000 aid recipients

More than 25,000 residents on Pulau Bum Bum can now access basic necessities locally, thanks to the opening of the island's first Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) partner merchant. Koperasi Anugerah Hj Badli has become the 33rd accredited SARA merchant in the Semporna district, making it the sole operational outlet on Pulau Bum Bum in Sabah.

Previously, residents had to travel to mainland Semporna to purchase items with their SARA funds, a process that required sea crossings. Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, emphasized the importance of bringing essential services closer to communities to overcome logistics challenges. The government is committed to ensuring that aid reaches people and benefits their lives, rather than being hindered by distance or location.

Plans are in place to extend similar retail access to other populated islands in Sabah, with MyKasih Foundation facilitating the registration of new SARA partners. Amir's visits to remote areas are part of a routine assessment to gauge the scheme's performance nationwide.