KUCHING: About 1,450 grocery stores in Sarawak are now accepting the ‘Sumbangan Asas Rahmah’ (SARA) aid to ensure government service delivery to the people is implemented effectively.
Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, said the federal government continues to expand this grocery store ecosystem in the state.
“A grocery store must have a specific system to accept purchases through SARA, but some may not be able to invest in such systems, as they can be costly and somewhat complex to use.
“Therefore, we have provided a simpler system for small traders so they can accept SARA purchases, thus encouraging more grocery stores to join the SARA programme,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after visiting the SARA grocery store at Budget Point, Semariang, here today.
He also said the government is also planning to increase the selection of local products to be included in the initiative.
“Depending on different areas, for example in Kuching, there are certainly local products that are commonly purchased by residents, so we want them to be made available as well.
“Through this effort, we are not only benefiting aid recipients but also helping local traders to continue growing,” he explained.
He also revealed that SARA usage in the state has shown an encouraging rate of 99.5 per cent.
“All citizens have their own identity cards (MyKad), so purchases can be easily made at stores participating in SARA.
“Thankful for today’s technology, we are able to facilitate the delivery of government initiatives to the people smoothly and efficiently,” he said.
He was accompanied by Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and Sarawak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Director, Matthew Dominic Barin.
