"My husband has no income now… every month I use this aid to buy basic necessities like rice, eggs, soap, onions, sugar, coffee, and milk.

"The amount is not enough to cover all our needs, but it lightens the family's burden. I hope this assistance continues and, if possible, is increased," she told Bernama.

For shop assistant Mohammad Abdullah, 40, who works in Pekan Linggi near here, having the financial assistance credited directly to his MyKad each month gives him and his wife breathing space to manage their expenses.

"My income is around RM1,500, so the aid lightens the burden of purchasing household items for my wife and me," he told Bernama here today.

Senior citizen Siti Masita Sabyumin, 63, from Kampung Kundur Hulu, Rembau, who also benefits from the scheme, expressed her gratitude to the government for introducing SARA.

"SARA is very good because it helps us buy basic necessities. I hope the amount can be increased, perhaps doubled to RM200 for those with families," she said.

Meanwhile, her younger sister Siti Nozira Sabyumin, 50, also from Kampung Kundur, Pedas, said the RM50 monthly aid she receives under the single category is used to buy groceries and daily essentials.

"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for this assistance as prices are rising. If possible, I hope the aid amount for the single category can also be increased," said the factory worker.

SARA, introduced in July 2023, is part of the government's cash assistance reform to ease the people's cost-of-living burden.

-- BERNAMA