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

The finance ministry announced this morning that Phase 3 of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid program will disburse RM1.2 billion to 5.3 million recipients, marking the continuation of the first three phases' total disbursement to RM3.6 billion. Since the beginning of the year, the number of recipients has risen by 300,000, now totaling 5.3 million.

These recipients fall under two categories: 3.9 million low- and middle-income households, and 1.4 million single senior citizens each receiving RM150. The Phase 3 payments range from RM150 to RM600, based on income and number of dependents. By August 2026, recipients could 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 Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above.

The assistance has been revamped to provide more consistent support, now paid out quarterly instead of annually. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring aid reaches those in need as the cost of living remains a challenge. The restructuring of government finances and improved governance have enabled more state revenue to be directed towards those in need, with the total allocation for STR and SARA in 2026 reaching RM15 billion, the highest in federal government history.