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2026 Malaysia Government Assistance Guide

Posted LnCoadmin

In 2026, the Malaysian government continues to provide various cash assistance and support programmes at both federal and state levels to help different groups cope with the rising cost of living. Below is a summary of the key assistance schemes available in 2026.

I. SARA Assistance (Expanded)

Monthly Cash Assistance

  • E-KASIH low-income households: RM200 per month
  • STR beneficiaries: RM100 per month
  • Single individuals: RM50 per month

SARA 2.0 (New Programme)

  • Eligibility: All Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above
  • Disbursement method: One-off payment
  • Disbursement period: February 2026
  • Assistance amount: RM100

II. Festive Special Assistance

One-off assistance in conjunction with major festive seasons

  • Applicable festivals:
    Chinese New Year
    Hari Raya Aidilfitri
    Deepavali
  • Eligibility: Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above
  • Disbursement method: One-off payment
  • Assistance amount: RM100
 

III. School Assistance
Financial support to help families with schooling expenses

  • Eligibility:
    Malaysian students enrolled in government schools
    Primary Year 1 to Form 6
  • Household income: No income limit
  • Disbursement start date: From 11 January 2026
  • Disbursement method: Distributed directly by schools through teachers or school administration
  • Assistance amount: RM100

IV. MamaKerja Assistance
Childcare cash assistance for working mothers

  • Implementing authority: Selangor State Government
  • Eligibility: Qualified working mothers
  • Purpose: Childcare-related expenses for children aged below 6 years
  • Assistance amount:
    RM100 per month
    Up to 12 months
    Maximum RM1,200 per year

V. BINGKAS Assistance

Long-term assistance for low-income households

  • Nature of assistance: State government long-term support programme
  • Different from: Federal assistance schemes such as STR and SARA
  • Primary purpose:
    Daily living expenses
    Reduction of cost-of-living burden
  • Assistance amount: RM300 per month

VI. B40 Business Grants and Entrepreneur Support Programmes

Support for micro and small entrepreneurs

Under the 2026 Budget and related SME support initiatives, the Malaysian government offers various business grants, financing facilities and training programmes to support B40 individuals and micro-entrepreneurs.

General eligibility requirements include:

  • Malaysian citizens aged 25 and above
  • Small traders, hawkers or B40 self-employed individuals
    Most programmes require:
  • Business registration with SSM
  • Business plan or project proposal
  • Proof of income or business operation records
  • Application submission through official government platforms