Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has pledged to assist local small and medium retailers in participating in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cashless aid programme.
This was conveyed during a meeting between SAPP and MyKasih Foundation, where both sides discussed ways to increase retailer involvement in Sabah.
SAPP was represented by Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong, Vice President Gee Tien Siong and Supreme Councillor Alex Soon Kak Foh.
The Sara programme, funded by the Federal Ministry of Finance, supports 506,000 recipients in Sabah with monthly assistance ranging from RM50 to RM200 each household.
A total of 446 merchants are now participating in Sabah, with at least a few outlets in each district, solving the initial accessibility issue.
SAPP noted that many smaller retailers remain uninformed or unsure about the registration process and pledged to help bridge this gap.
Yong stressed that local SMEs must not be left out of national aid programmes and deserve full access to economic opportunities.
SAPP and MyKasih agreed to cooperate in raising awareness and expanding merchant participation to ensure broader community benefit.
Only officially registered businesses with a valid company bank account are eligible to join the programme.
Participating outlets will be provided with terminals and connection data. Sales revenue will be reimbursed by MyKasih Foundation on a twice a week basis, every Monday and Friday.
According to information provided by the MyKasih team, the foundation currently has recorded 94,000 Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) codes for eligible products, and retailers may apply to include relevant SKUs based on their available inventory.
To improve accuracy and product availability, MyKasih recommends retailers submit SKU applications themselves rather than relying on manufacturers.
About 93 per cent of recipients in Sabah have utilised their Sara aid, compared to 72 per cent in Semenanjung Malaysia.
Those interested can contact Gee Tien Siong (010-932 7688), Alex Soon (013-540 2288) or email info@mykasih.com.my for guidance and assistance.
