The Finance Ministry announced that the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) will increase from RM300 to RM500 per household in the first phase of this year. This represents a 26% increase in allocation, from RM1.67bil to RM2.1bil, in an effort to assist those in need with their living expenses.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the initiative aims to support the rising cost of living and ensure that people are not left behind. He expressed his concern about the burden of living costs increasing faster than people’s income.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing assistance to solve this basic problem and prevent anyone from being left behind.
Beginning on Monday, January 29th, the first phase of STR payments for registered recipients will be credited into their bank accounts or distributed in cash through Bank Simpanan Nasional in stages, based on their eligibility.
Currently, 8.2 million eligible individuals have registered for STR 2024, and it is expected that the number will reach nine million this year due to new registrations.
