Image: MOF
By : Mike Paul
Putrajaya, Jan 14— The Ministry of Finance has warned that the government reserves the right to withdraw any approved financial aid, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), if applicants provide false or misleading information. In a statement, the ministry said all STR applications undergo multiple verification checks with relevant agencies to determine eligibility, including quarterly reviews of property and vehicle ownership, business holdings, and records of working or staying abroad.
“For new applicants, in addition to the income threshold, regular quarterly checks will be conducted to review property and vehicle ownership, business holdings, and records of working or staying abroad,” the ministry said. It stressed that applicants are responsible for providing accurate information and warned that legal action may be taken if false information is discovered.
The statement was issued following social media claims that an individual was eligible for STR despite earning rental income from six houses above the qualifying threshold. The ministry clarified that such cases would be flagged during verification and could result in aid withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the government confirmed that the total allocation for STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) this year is RM15 billion, the largest such allocation in federal history. More than eight million people are eligible to receive SARA monthly, including 400,000 individuals from poor and hardcore poor categories registered in the eKasih database. STR is provided as additional quarterly assistance targeted at households and elderly individuals without a spouse who have a monthly income of RM5,000 and below.
“This integrated approach ensures that targeted aid is delivered in a more organised, stable and effective manner,” the ministry said, adding that the scheme provides additional financial support during peak periods such as festive seasons. The Ministry of Finance also confirmed that RM1.1 billion has been allocated for STR Phase One this year, with disbursement scheduled to begin next Tuesday.
- TNS News