Pulau Banggi residents relieved as SARA aid now redeemable on the island, cutting costly trips to Kudat

KUDAT, May 23 — Pulau Banggi residents can now breathe a sigh of relief as they no longer need to travel to mainland Kudat to redeem the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) For All cash assistance, following the availability of the facility on the island since September last year.

The aid can now be redeemed at five selected shops on the island, saving residents both time and travel costs previously incurred just to obtain essential goods.

For Idris Hassan, 61, the facility not only saves time but also reduces travel expenses that residents previously had to bear.

The Kampung Karakit resident said in the past, Pulau Banggi residents had to take a ferry to Kudat to redeem the aid, resulting in part of the assistance being spent on return fares.

“We used to have to go to Kudat, but not anymore, as SARA is now available on Pulau Banggi. This really makes things easier for us,” he told Bernama.

Located about 70 kilometres from mainland Kudat, Pulau Banggi, which spans 621 square kilometres, is accessible only by ferry or speedboat.

Idris said the ferry fare from Pulau Banggi to Kudat costs RM26 one way, bringing the total return trip to RM52, a significant amount for low-income island residents.

People queue up to get tickets to board the ferry from Pulau Banggi’s Karakit Jetty to the mainland. Kudat Town is located an hour and a half ferry ride from Pulau Banggi. The ferry fare from Pulau Banggi to Kudat costs RM26 one way, bringing the total return trip to RM52, a significant amount for low-income island residents. — Bernama pic

Another resident, Sunny Daniel, 52, also expressed relief, describing the availability of the SARA redemption centres on the island as a timely move to prevent the aid from being spent on logistics costs.

He said previously, travelling to Kudat to redeem SARA required residents to take a boat or ferry, causing part of the aid to be spent on transportation.

“If we had to go to Kudat, it felt like a loss. The SARA aid is meant to buy essentials, but nearly half would be spent on return fares,” he said.

Sunny, who works as a rental car driver, said the SARA aid is very meaningful, as his income is unstable due to vehicle issues which affect his livelihood.

Meanwhile, Nurhayati Abdul Rahman, 34, said the facility has had a significant impact on young families, as kitchen essentials and baby items can now be easily redeemed on the island itself.

The mother of three said the five participating shops give residents options to obtain basic goods without having to travel to the mainland.

She added that while the amount may seem small to some, it is very meaningful for middle- and low-income families on the island, particularly in managing daily expenses.

At the same time, Nurhayati said the changes on the island reflect broader development enjoyed by Pulau Banggi residents, including improvements in road infrastructure, water supply and electricity.

SARA For All is a one-off RM100 cash assistance provided to all Malaysians aged 18 and above starting August 31 last year, without the need for application. It can be used at over 13,000 registered business premises nationwide until December 31 this year. — Bernama