Rahmah Cash Aid: RM696.3 million distributed to recipients in Sabah - Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU - A total of RM696.3 million allocation for the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) have been distributed to 799,782 recipients in Sabah so far, the State Legislative Assembly sitting was told today.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said under the third phase, which ran from June 26 to July 5, the cash aid was channelled directly to the recipient’s bank account. For those who do not have a bank account, the money can be collected at Bank Simpanan Nasional until Dec 31.

"To ensure that the aid reaches its intended recipients, especially those in rural and remote areas, the government has scheduled a cash-out programme in the relevant districts from Aug 3 till mid-September,” he said.

He was responding to a question from Jannie Lasimbang (DAP-Kapayan), who wanted to know the total number of STR recipients in Sabah and the reasons behind rejected applications.

Hajiji said one of the reasons was the failure to meet the eligibility requirements, such as having an income of more than RM5,000 per month for households and single senior citizens or over RM2,500 for single individuals.

"In addition, the failure of applicants to submit documents showing the status of marriage or divorce, not passing the requirements of single individuals, or having a full-time student status,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hajiji said the number of ‘Sumbangan Asas Rahmah’ (Sara) recipients in Sabah was 35,461, with a financial allocation of RM21.27 million.

The aid, totalling RM600, was distributed to STR recipients who are listed as hardcore poor according to eKasih data until Feb 28, 2023.

He said for recipients in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the aid will be credited to their bank account or given in cash at any Bank Simpanan Nasional branch nationwide starting Aug 7. - BERNAMA