Malaysia begins Phase 3 distribution of STR cash assistance

Malaysia has commenced the phased distribution of the third phase of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) assistance program. Approximately 5.3 million recipients are eligible to receive payments, an increase of 300,000 compared to the start of the year.

Payments range from RM150 to RM600 depending on income and the number of children, while single elderly recipients receive RM150. The total allocation for the three phases of STR this year reaches RM3.6 billion. The Ministry of Finance noted that 3.9 million recipients consist of low and medium-low income households, while 1.4 million are single elderly individuals.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) program will remain a priority in the 2027 Budget to help vulnerable groups manage the cost of living. The total allocation for both STR and SARA for the current period reaches RM15 billion. Recipients can receive funds via direct bank transfer or through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branches.