STR to 5.3mil recipients as Phase 3 of cash aid starts today

The finance ministry announced that Phase 3 of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid will be distributed to 5.3 million recipients starting today, with an allocation of RM1.2 billion. This marks the third phase of a three-phase program, with the total disbursement for all three phases reaching RM3.6 billion so far in 2026.

Recipients will receive payments ranging from RM150 to RM600, depending on their income and number of children. Single senior citizens will receive a flat rate of RM150 per phase. By August 2026, recipients can collect up to RM3,300 in total through STR Phases 1 to 3 and the monthly SARA basic aid, which is not included in this figure.

The number of recipients has increased by 300,000 since the beginning of the year, with 3.9 million low- and middle-income households and 1.4 million single senior citizens. Starting this year, STR payments will be made quarterly, while SARA provides monthly basic aid.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as finance minister, emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring aid reaches those in need despite the ongoing cost of living challenges. The government aims to improve lives by not only providing aid but also through reforms and economic strengthening.

The restructuring of government finances and improved governance have enabled more state revenue to be directed towards STR and SARA, with a total allocation of RM15 billion for 2026, making it the highest in the federal government's history and nearly three times greater than the 2016 Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) payments. Recipients with bank accounts will receive their Phase 3 STR payments via direct credit, while those without bank accounts can collect cash at any Bank Simpanan Nasional branch nationwide.