{
  "id": 740630,
  "title": "SARA aid may be expanded to put healthier food within reach of vulnerable Malaysians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/sara-aid-may-be-expanded-to-put-healthier-food-within-reach-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T07:02:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/126136/sara-aid-may-be-expanded-to-put-healthier-food-within-reach-of-vulnerable-malaysians"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government is contemplating expanding the Sumbangan Asas RAHMAH (SARA) program to provide recipients with access to healthier food options, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein sources. This move is part of a broader strategy to alleviate the cost-of-living burden, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The proposal was approved during the 18th National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) meeting and will be presented to the council chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The aim is to enhance people's purchasing power while encouraging access to nutritious nutrition. The meeting also discussed the direction of the Local White Rice (BPT) policy, with the potential inclusion of a subsidized rice program to protect vulnerable groups before any nationwide policy changes. Furthermore, the government is monitoring factors such as food prices and supply, healthcare costs, business expenses, and social protection as it addresses the rising cost of living. They are also refining existing mechanisms, including targeted assistance for farmers, fishermen, and affected groups. In healthcare, progress was reported on 11 RESET initiatives aimed at reducing private healthcare costs, expanding access, and providing Malaysians with more choices. As part of the government's comprehensive approach under the 2030 Cost of Living Action Plan, these initiatives target cost pressures across various sectors. The government is also committed to ensuring that education costs do not hinder human capital development, having assisted 62,937 Form Six and university students in 2025 through 13 tertiary education assistance programs, providing a combined RM589.6 million in aid.",
  "summary": "THE government is considering expanding the scope of Sumbangan Asas RAHMAH (SARA) to enable recipients to purchase healthier food, including fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh sources of protein, as part of a broader strategy to ease the cost-of-livin...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian government considers expanding SARA program for healthier food access.",
    "Proposal approved at 18th NACCOL meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.",
    "Aim is to boost purchasing power and nutrition for vulnerable Malaysians."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}