The finance ministry said approximately 8.4 million citizens would begin receiving aid ranging from RM100 to RM650, starting this Wednesday.

“The economic reform led by the Madani government is not only to rectify the country’s financial structure, but is driven by a sincere intention to ensure that the nation’s wealth is shared more equitably with the people,” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement.

“Insyallah, the government will further increase cash assistance to the citizens in line with the nation’s fiscal improvement, including the implementation of targeted subsidies for those truly in need.”

The money will be disbursed either through credit to bank accounts or as cash through Bank Simpanan Nasional branches.

The public can check their eligibility status for STR and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the official STR portal at https://bantuantunai.hasil.gov.my.

The ministry also advised recipients to be wary of unverified links from irresponsible parties when looking for information on the STR programme.

The disbursement of phase 1 of the STR had began on Jan 29.

The finance ministry previously announced that the government had raised the maximum payment for phase 1 for households from RM300 to RM500 to help those affected by the rise in the cost of living.

Households with incomes of less than RM2,500 will receive RM500, while those with incomes of between RM2,501 and RM5,000 will be eligible for between RM100 and RM300.