Over 25,000 Residents Benefit From SARA Business Partners On Pulau Bum-Bum

SEMPORNA, Aug 15 (Bernama) - The presence of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) business partners on Pulau Bum Bum, near here, has benefitted more than 25,000 residents of the island who are eligible to receive the basic assistance.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said Koperasi Anugerah Hj Badli that visited today is the 33rd SARA Business Partner for the Semporna district and the only one on Pulau Bum Bum.

Previously, Pulau Bum Bum residents who wanted to obtain their SARA goods had to take a boat to the Semporna mainland and return to the island with their necessities.

"We hear of the difficulties faced by the community here, which is why the SARA facility is brought closer to them via business partners on Pulau Bum Bum itself," he said.

He said this to reporters after reviewing the implementation of SARA on the island today.

He said the government will continue to identify areas facing access constraints so that the SARA benefits can be brought closer to the people.

"We do not want distance, sea, or location to be obstacles for the people to enjoy the assistance provided by the government. This is the government's approach, which is not just about providing assistance, but ensuring that the aid truly reaches the people, is usable, and benefits their lives," he said.

Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the government is working to see the expansion of the SARA implementation in populated island areas in Sabah.

"So if we look at the collaboration with the Mykasih Foundation, anyone who wants to register as a SARA business partner can submit a request to join the SARA system.

"However, we also need to ensure that they are eligible and follow the approach we have in SARA, including the provision of barcodes," he also said.

Regarding the visit to Pulau Bum Bum, it was said to have been a routine visit to monitor and observe the development of SARA across the country.

"It is important for me to visit places that are usually not very frequented, but for our people, we want to ensure that the use of SARA is widespread, including in Sabah," he added.