RM16b in SARA, STR aid for Malaysians as helping the poor won’t bankrupt the govt, says Anwar

KOTA BHARU, October 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asserted that the Malaysian government would not become impoverished or bankrupt by extending aid to the less fortunate, emphasizing that corruption and financial leakages pose far greater threats to the nation's economy. He asserted that providing assistance to low-income groups was the government's responsibility to ensure that the benefits of national development were more evenly distributed among the populace.

This year, the government has allocated RM16 billion for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) assistance programmes, in addition to raising civil servants' salaries and the minimum wage, as measures to enhance the well-being of the people. In launching the Kelantan Entrepreneur Revival Scheme today, Anwar stated, "No country or government has ever become poor simply by helping the poor."

He highlighted that a country's economy could suffer if public wealth was misused for the benefit of certain groups, particularly through corruption and greed in administration. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to assisting those in need while maintaining sound financial management and good governance.