STR Phase 2 payments began on March 10, 2026 — brought forward ahead of schedule to help Malaysians prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. A total of RM1.3 billion is being distributed to 5.2 million recipients, with amounts ranging from RM100 to RM600 depending on eligibility.
If you've seen "STR 2026" or "Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah" trending lately, here's why: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on March 9 that the Phase 2 STR payment — originally scheduled for April — has been brought forward to help Malaysians manage spending ahead of Raya. Payments began flowing on March 10 for existing bank account holders, and from March 30 for newly approved recipients.
But what’s the difference between STR and SARA? And which one do you actually receive? If you're confused, you're not alone. Here's the full breakdown.
In 2026, the government turned Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) into a full financial support system — combining cash payments, monthly grocery credits (SARA), and a one-off SARA Penghargaan RM100 for all adult Malaysians. Total allocation: RM15 billion, the highest in federal government history.
Think of it as three layers working together:
STR 2026 cash payments range from RM100 to RM2,200 a year, paid in phases.
Phase 2 payments started March 10, 2026 — earlier than originally planned — to help with Raya spending. Existing recipients with bank accounts are paid first, followed by newly approved recipients from March 30. Those without bank accounts collect cash at BSN branches.
Apply or update your STR details via the MySTR portal at bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my. New applicants submit through the portal or manually at LHDN branches. Existing recipients whose bank details or personal circumstances have changed should update their profile to avoid payment delays.
Common reasons for rejected STR applications include: deceased status, income exceeding the limit, having an active SSM business registration, or unverified marital status. If you’ve been rejected, you can file an appeal through the same portal.
No bank account? Collect your STR cash at any Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branch — bring your MyKad for verification. This applies to recipients in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan too.
SARA (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah) is the grocery credit component of the government aid ecosystem. Unlike STR cash that goes into your bank account, SARA is loaded onto your MyKad monthly and can only be spent on essential items at approved retailers like 99 Speedmart, Mydin, and Lotus’s.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: STR = money in the bank. SARA = credit on your MyKad for groceries. Both are part of the same government programme, but they work differently.
SARA Bulanan is the monthly grocery credit for STR recipients — RM50 to RM200 per month depending on your category. SARA Untuk Semua (also called SARA Penghargaan) is a separate one-off RM100 credit given to all Malaysians aged 18 and above, regardless of STR eligibility.
If you received the RM100 credited to your MyKad earlier this year, that was likely the SARA Penghargaan — no application required, and it covers all adult Malaysians. If you’re an STR recipient, you also receive SARA Bulanan on top of that, every month.
STR 2026 targets households earning RM5,000 and below, single individuals aged 21–59 earning RM2,500 and below, and senior citizens aged 60+ without a spouse. All Malaysian adults aged 18 and above qualify for the one-off SARA Penghargaan RM100 — no registration needed.
SARA credit loaded on your MyKad can be spent at registered MyKasih retailers — including major chains like 99 Speedmart, Mydin, Lotus’s, and many local kedai runcit. Items are limited to 15 essential categories covering over 140,000 basic necessities. As of 2026, frozen food is now included.
The network of SARA-eligible stores is expanding — the government is targeting 10,000 participating outlets by end of 2026, and the maximum distance to an eligible store has been reduced to 7km from your location for easier access.
The 15 approved categories include rice, cooking oil, eggs, chicken, vegetables, bread, canned goods, flour, sugar, hygiene products, and now — frozen food. Basically, your weekly grocery run should be well covered.
Between STR cash, SARA monthly credits, and the one-off SARA Penghargaan, the government has put together a solid financial safety net for 2026 — totalling RM15 billion. The trick is knowing which parts apply to you, using them before they expire, and planning your spending instead of scrambling at the last minute.
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