2026 Malaysia STR Payment Dates 

The 2026 Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash assistance programme has officially begun disbursements. As one of Malaysia’s largest government support initiatives, this year introduces significant changes to eligibility and payout methods, particularly for single individuals.

Whether you are a B40 household, a senior citizen, or a single applicant, understanding the 2026 disbursement schedule and the new SARA vs. STR rules is essential to ensuring you receive your full benefits.


What Is STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah)?

The Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) is a government-funded cash assistance programme designed to provide direct financial support to lower-income households and individuals. It operates alongside the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), which provides cashless credits for purchasing basic groceries.


2026 Payment Schedule (Official & Expected)

The Malaysian government distributes STR in four phases. Phase 1 has already been disbursed, and the next phases are upcoming.

Phase 1 -  Disbursed (Started 20 January 2026)

Phase 1 payments began crediting into bank accounts on 20 January 2026.

• Status: Completed (Appeals open Feb 2026).

• Recipients: Eligible households and senior citizens without spouses.

• Amount: RM100 to RM500 (depending on income and number of children).

• Note: If you have not received this yet, please check your status on the MySTR portal immediately.

Phase 2 - Expected April 2026

• Estimated Timing: Early April 2026 (prior to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period).

• Target: Existing recipients and new applications approved before March.

Phase 3 - Expected August 2026

• Estimated Timing: August 2026.

• Note: This phase typically includes a larger pool of recipients, including those who filed appeals or updated their status mid-year.

Phase 4 - Expected November 2026

• Estimated Timing: November 2026.

• Context: The final payout of the year is usually timed to coincide with year-end preparations and major festivals like Deepavali.

Major Policy Change: Singles (Bujang) & SARA

Important Update for 2026: There has been a significant restructuring for the Single (Bujang) category (aged 21–59).

• No Direct Cash (STR): Unlike previous years, most single recipients will not receive a lump-sum cash transfer into their bank accounts.

• SARA Credits Instead: Eligible singles will instead receive RM600 per year in SARA benefits, credited as RM50 per month into their MyKad (IC).

• Usage: These credits are cashless and can only be used to buy essential groceries at registered retailers (e.g., Mydin, 99 Speedmart, Lotus’s).

Note: Senior Citizens (60+) and Households continue to receive direct STR cash.


2026 Payout Amounts (Phase 1 Reference)

The actual cash amount received depends on your category. Below is the breakdown for the recently completed Phase 1:

• Households (Income ≤ RM2,500): Received RM200 – RM500 (depending on child count).

• Households (Income RM2,501 – RM5,000): Received RM100 – RM200.

• Senior Citizens (No Spouse): Received RM150.

• Singles (Bujang): Received RM50 monthly SARA credit (started Jan 2026).

How STR Cash Aid Is Disbursed

1. Bank Transfer For households and senior citizens, payments are credited directly to your registered bank account (Maybank, CIMB, BSN, etc.).

2. Cash Withdrawal at BSN If you do not have a bank account or if the transfer failed, you can claim the cash at any Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branch. You must bring your MyKad for verification.

3. SARA (MyKad Credit) For recipients receiving SARA (including all eligible Singles), the money is credited directly to your MyKad. You do not withdraw cash; you simply present your MyKad at the checkout counter of participating supermarkets to pay for groceries.


How to Check Your Payment Status

To check your eligibility, payout amount, or appeal status:

1. Visit the official MySTR Portal: https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my

2. Log in with your MyKad number.

3. Check under "Semakan Status".

Conclusion

With Phase 1 already distributed in January 2026, the next key dates to watch are April (Phase 2), August (Phase 3), and November (Phase 4).

If you are a single applicant and wondering why you didn't get cash in your bank account, remember to check your MyKad SARA balance, your aid is likely there waiting to be used for groceries!


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Reference

• STR.my. STR 2026 Payment Dates & Phases.
• New Straits Times. Phase 1 of 2026 STR Payments Start on January 20.
• Daily Express Malaysia. STR Phase 2 Payment from March 24 Announcement.
• Reddot.my. STR First Phase Aid from January 20.
• eCentral.my. STR 2026 Payment & MySTR Registration Info.
• TechNave. SARA & STR Aid Credit Dates for 2026.