### RM100 SARA Aid Program: A Financial Lifeline for Malaysians Ahead of Festivities The Malaysian government has announced the continuation of the RM100 assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) program, aimed at providing financial support to all citizens aged 18 and above. This initiative is set to begin on February 9, 2026, and is designed to alleviate living costs, particularly in light of the upcoming Ramadan and Chinese New Year celebrations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that approximately 22 million Malaysians will benefit from this aid, which is part of a broader effort to support citizens during festive seasons and rising living expenses [https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/05/rm100-sara-aid-to-be-credited-beginning-feb-9-says-pm]. ### Structure of the SARA Aid Announcement 1. **Program Overview** - The SARA program will provide RM100 to all adult Malaysians starting February 9, 2026. - This initiative aims to support citizens in managing their living costs during festive periods [https://www.lowyat.net/2026/377614/anwar-sara-rm100-cash-aid-distributed-9-february]. 2. **Target Audience** - The aid will be credited to approximately 22 million individuals aged 18 and above, including 3.7 million households and 1.3 million seniors without spouses [https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/01/05/sara-aid-disbursement-set-to-begin-on-jan-9]. 3. **Context and Timing** - The disbursement is strategically timed to coincide with the festive seasons of Ramadan and Chinese New Year, providing financial relief to families preparing for celebrations [https://dayakdaily.com/pm-rm100-sara-aid-to-be-credited-from-feb-9-for-ramadan-cny]. 4. **Additional Financial Support** - Alongside the SARA aid, the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) program will also provide additional financial assistance, with RM200 being credited to monthly recipients starting January 9, 2026 [https://sinardaily.my/article/732813/focus/national/rm100-sara-aid-to-be-credited-beginning-feb-9-says-pm]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Beneficiaries**: - **22 million** Malaysians will receive the RM100 aid. - **3.7 million** households and **1.3 million** seniors without spouses are included in the target demographic [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/05/22mil-msians-to-receive-rm100-in-sara-aid-on-feb-9]. - **Disbursement Dates**: - SARA aid begins on **February 9, 2026**. - STR aid starts on **January 9, 2026** [https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117816/rm100-sara-aid-to-be-credited-to-all-adult-malaysians-from-9-february-announces-pm]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Financial Initiative In summary, the RM100 SARA aid program represents a significant financial initiative by the Malaysian government to support its citizens during critical festive periods. The key points are as follows: 1. **Financial Support**: The program aims to provide RM100 to all adult Malaysians, benefiting around 22 million individuals. 2. **Timing**: The aid is scheduled to be disbursed on February 9, 2026, strategically aligned with Ramadan and Chinese New Year. 3. **Additional Assistance**: The STR program will complement the SARA aid, offering further financial relief to eligible recipients. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to easing the financial burden on its citizens during festive seasons and reflects a proactive approach to social welfare [https://mcigroup.my/news/22-million-malaysians-to-get-another-rm100-in-february].