← All guides

Claiming Sumbangan Tunai Rakyat (STR / BPR) 2026

Malaysia's government cash aid programme for B40 and M40 households — formerly Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) and Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH).

Amount
RM600 — RM2,500
For
B40 & M40
Payments
2-3 phases/year
Portal
bantuanstunai.hasil.gov.my
STR is automatic for most eligible recipients. If you filed your tax return with LHDN (even a nil return), the government uses your declared household income to determine eligibility. No separate application is needed in most cases — but you must ensure your bank details and household information are up to date on the portal.

Payment Amounts (2026)

Amounts may change yearly. The figures below are based on the most recent Budget announcement. Check the official portal for confirmed 2026 amounts.
CategoryHousehold IncomeAmount/Year
B40 household (married)Below RM2,500/monthRM2,500
B40 household (married)RM2,501 — RM5,000/monthRM1,500 — RM2,000
M40 household (married)RM5,001 — RM8,000/monthRM750 — RM1,000
Single (21+)Below RM2,500/monthRM1,200
Single (21+)RM2,501 — RM5,000/monthRM600 — RM800
Senior citizen (single, 60+)Below RM5,000/monthRM600 — RM1,500

Payments are typically disbursed in 2-3 phases throughout the year (e.g., February, May, September).

Eligibility Requirements

What You Need

Step-by-Step Process

  1. File your income tax return with LHDN
    This is the most important step. LHDN (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri) uses your tax return to determine your household income. Even if you earn below the taxable threshold (RM34,000/year for individuals), file a nil return via e-Filing at ez.hasil.gov.my. Without a tax return, the system cannot verify your income and you won't be auto-approved.
  2. Log in to the STR portal
    Visit bantuanstunai.hasil.gov.my and log in with your MyKad number. First-time users need to register. Existing BPR/BSH recipients are automatically migrated — use your old credentials or reset your password.
  3. Verify and update your details
    Check that your bank account number, phone number, marital status, and number of dependants are correct. Wrong bank details = delayed payment. If you recently married, divorced, or had a child, update your household status immediately. Changes must be made before the annual cutoff date (typically December-January).
  4. New applicants: Submit your application
    If you've never received STR/BPR before, click "Permohonan Baru" (New Application) and fill in all required fields. Upload supporting documents if prompted (income proof, marriage certificate for married applicants). Submit before the deadline.
  5. Check your approval status
    After the processing period (typically 4-8 weeks after the deadline), log back in to check your status. You'll see one of: "Lulus" (approved), "Tidak Lulus" (rejected), or "Dalam Proses" (processing). If approved, you'll see the payment amount and schedule.
  6. Receive your payment
    Approved recipients receive direct credit to their registered bank account. Payments are disbursed in phases — Phase 1 is typically in January/February, Phase 2 in May/June, and Phase 3 (if applicable) in September/October. You'll receive an SMS notification when payment is credited.
  7. Appeal if rejected
    If your application is rejected ("Tidak Lulus"), you can submit an appeal ("Rayuan") through the same portal. Common reasons for rejection: income too high (based on LHDN records), incomplete tax filing, or outdated household information. Attach updated income proof and any supporting documents with your appeal.

Common Issues & Solutions

Payment status shows "Lulus" but I haven't received money
Check your bank details on the portal — the most common cause is an incorrect or closed bank account. If details are correct, wait 3-5 working days after the announced payment date. If still not received, contact the STR helpline at 03-8911 1000 or visit your nearest LHDN branch with your MyKad.
My status shows "Tidak Layak" (Not Eligible) but my income is low
The system uses LHDN's records, which may not reflect your current income. If you changed jobs, lost income, or your spouse stopped working, you need to file an updated tax return and then appeal. Self-employed individuals should ensure their income is properly declared — if LHDN has no record of your income, the system may default to ineligible.
I'm married but my spouse filed separately — will that affect eligibility?
Yes. For married couples, combined household income is used. Both spouses should file tax returns. If only one spouse files, the system may only see one income and miscalculate your household bracket. Ensure both spouses' tax returns show the correct marital status and spouse's IC number.
Can I receive STR via e-wallet instead of bank account?
Currently, STR payments are made via direct bank credit only. E-wallet options may be introduced in future phases — check the portal for updates. For now, ensure you have an active bank account (Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, etc.) in your own name.
I'm a fresh graduate with no income — am I eligible?
If you're 21+ and have zero or low income, you're likely eligible as a single individual. File a nil tax return with LHDN (declaring RM0 income), register on the STR portal, and submit your application. Fresh graduates are a common recipient category.

Programme Name History

This programme has been renamed several times:

YearName
2019-2020Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH)
2021-2023Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR)
2024-2026Sumbangan Tunai Rakyat (STR)

If you previously received BSH or BPR, you're already in the system. Just ensure your details are updated.

Related Guides

If this guide helped you understand or claim your STR/BPR cash aid — consider buying me a coffee.

Buy me a coffee
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. STR/BPR eligibility criteria, amounts, and payment schedules are set by the Malaysian government and may change with each annual Budget. Always verify with the official portal at bantuanstunai.hasil.gov.my or contact the helpline at 03-8911 1000. Last reviewed: March 2026.

Related Compare Tools

Compare rates and find the best deal: