KUALA LUMPUR (April 1): The government has raised the allocation for the targeted subsidy programme of cash aid Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) Phase 2 by 20% to RM1.5 billion in 2024, from RM1.26 billion last year.

A total of 8.4 million Malaysian citizens will receive the payment for STR Phase 2 ranging from RM100 to RM650 starting Wednesday (April 3), according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in a statement on Monday.

"Insya-Allah (God-willing), the government will further increase cash assistance to the people, in line with the fiscal improvement of the country, including the implementation of targeted subsidies to those who truly need it," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

Existing STR recipients and new registrants in the database will receive the payments through bank account via credit, or cash via Bank Simpanan Nasional in stages based on their respective STR eligibility categories.

“Starting in 2024, the government has taken a new approach to open registration for STR 2024 throughout the year to provide more opportunities for citizens to benefit from government assistance," said the PM.

The number of eligible recipients is expected to increase continuously this year, taking into account the new application and updating processes carried out throughout the year compared to once a year previously, Anwar added.

If an applicant's name is not in the STR database, they would need to apply to enable the verification process based on the established STR eligibility categories.

MOF also reminded STR recipients to always be cautious of unauthorised links from irresponsible parties to obtain information related to the STR programme.