A technical glitch in the government’s SARA aid system has caused confusion and distress at various marts across the country, leaving many Malaysians, especially the elderly unable to pay for their daily necessities.

The issue wasn’t confined to a single outlet. Shoppers at popular chains such as 99 Speedmart and other participating marts reported being stranded at the cashier when the system failed to process their transactions.

Elderly man quietly returns groceries after system glitch

A Thread user, @soimnell described at a speed mart outlet recounted how an elderly man in front of her quietly turned back to put away his groceries, rice, soy sauce, and salt when the system failed. Moved by the sight, she decided to intervene.

“I imagined if it were my own parents, so I told the cashier to put his groceries on my tab,” she wrote on Threads.

Netizens express desire to help stranded shoppers

Her post quickly caught reactions of netizens. Many Malaysians praised her compassion while admitting they often hesitate to step in during similar situations. Others lamented the sight of abandoned trolleys filled with groceries when the system went down.

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