Big Caring backs proposal to extend Sara spending to pharmacies
The proposed expansion would add pharmacies to a network where aid credits can currently be spent only at selected supermarkets and grocery stores.
Big Caring Group Bhd would participate if retail pharmacies were allowed to accept Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cashless aid credits, managing director and CEO Lee Meng Chuan said. The Main Market-bound company supports the proposed expansion.
Speaking to The Edge after the launch of the company's IPO prospectus, Lee said certain common health conditions require controlled medicines that only licensed pharmacists can dispense. He said wider Sara coverage could ease pressure on the government or hospitals.
The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) and Malaysia Retail Chain Association proposed including pharmacies as participating merchants. An Ipsos survey cited by MPS found that 92% of cashless aid users wanted qualified community pharmacies added to the network.
Sara credits are channelled through MyKad and can be used at 13,500 outlets nationwide for 15 categories of essentials. Eligible purchases include non-perishable food, hygiene products, cleaning products and school supplies.
Budget 2027 raised the combined allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sara to RM16 billion from RM15 billion in 2026. STR targets low-income individuals and families, while Sara covers all Malaysians aged 18 and above regardless of income.
People who do not receive STR will get RM200 through two equal payments, expected before Aidilfitri and Merdeka's 70th anniversary.
