Malaysia clarifies cash aid rules for frequent commuters to Singapore

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by SCMP’s Asia deskJanuary 27, 2026 at 09:32 AM

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A Malaysian minister clarified eligibility rules for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah cash aid program after concerns arose regarding frequent commuters to Singapore. The program aims to alleviate cost of living pressures for eligible Malaysian citizens residing in the country. The government will use immigration data to determine residency status, with those entering and exiting Singapore eight or more times a month considered working overseas and potentially ineligible. This clarification follows worries from cross-border commuters who feared losing access to the anti-inflation initiative. Approximately 500,000 Malaysians work in Singapore, many commuting daily from Johor.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Johor 40% Immigration Department of Malaysia 40% Government of Malaysia 50% Malaysians ×260% Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah 70% Singapore ×480% Malaysia ×380% Liew Chin Tong ×290%

Keywords

frequent commuters 90% cash aid 90% singapore 80% malaysia 80% cost of living 70% residency status 60% immigration department 50% working overseas 50% anti-inflation initiative 40%