The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent messages and websites linked to the upcoming RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash aid.

According to The Edge Malaysia, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said no application or registration is required for the one-off aid.

The payment will be credited directly to the MyKad of all eligible Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above starting 31 August.

Lim noted that the ministry has received a spike in inquiries from the public, including reports of fake messages containing links that falsely claim recipients must register to receive the RM100.

She cautioned that these are scams and urged the public not to engage with such messages.

The cash assistance was among several initiatives announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 23 July, which also included the postponement of toll hikes on 10 highways and a proposed reduction in the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre.

Lim, who spoke to reporters during an education event in Penang over the weekend, added that recipients should only reach out to the authorities if they have not received the funds after the scheduled disbursement date.

She also said the government is considering expanding the list of subsidised items under Sara to include perishable goods such as chicken, meat, and fish.

However, she noted that any changes would require careful evaluation and input from all relevant stakeholders, especially recipients.

Earlier this year, on 1 May, the list of eligible items under Sara was expanded to include household cleaning supplies like detergent, dishwashing liquid, and floor cleaner.

This brought the total number of approved product categories to 14, covering approximately 90,000 items including food, medicine, school supplies, and hygiene products.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by shahril via Freepik