SHAH ALAM – When the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) credit is disbursed, it may initially seem modest, particularly during the demanding month of Ramadan.
For many families, this amount falls short of filling a supermarket trolley.
Since SARA is restricted to specific essential packaged items—excluding fresh produce, poultry and seafood—meticulous financial planning is not merely beneficial, but vital.
Nevertheless, that RM100 can be transformative. While it does not cover a full festive spread, it often serves as the foundation for a sensible and balanced menu when breaking the fast.
The anatomy of an RM100 basket
Families generally focused their SARA spending on staples that could stretch across several meals.
A typical RM100 basket might look like this:
- A 5kg bag of rice
- A tray of eggs
- Cooking oil
- Canned sardines or tuna
- Bread
- UHT milk
These are the essentials for survival rather than glamour; there are no traditional kuih-muih or festive cordials in this selection.
Rice remains the primary carbohydrate that can sustain a small family for several days.
Eggs serve as a highly versatile protein for both iftar and sahur, while canned seafood provides an affordable alternative to fresh meat.
The function of SARA is not to finance a banquet but to alleviate financial strain, allowing families to secure staples first before making smaller, strategic cash purchases elsewhere.
Strategic planning to fill the gaps
Since fresh vegetables and poultry cannot be purchased using SARA credits, many households supplement the aid with small cash outlays at local wet markets.
Common meals often consist of sardine sambal with rice and kangkung, or egg fried rice enriched with leftover vegetables.
By favouring home-cooked meals over spending RM60 to RM80 at a Ramadan bazaar in a single night, this approach ensures that the assistance lasts significantly longer.
The psychological security of predictability
In today’s economy, the true value of RM100 lies in its predictability. It guarantees a carbohydrate base, essential protein and cooking necessities. During Ramadan, this assurance is invaluable, allowing families to break their fast without the stress of wondering where their next meal will come from.
For those in lower-income brackets, this sense of psychological security is arguably as vital as the cash itself.
It allows for a dignified Ramadan experience where moderation is prioritised—favouring hydration and controlled portions over expensive, fried bazaar food.
Ultimately, the SARA credit may not fund a celebration, but it does sustain dignity and stability.