Govt committed to assist, support hawkers and petty traders - Ewon

PUTRAJAYA: The government is always committed to assist and support hawkers and petty traders so that they can continue to be a major contributor towards the stability of the country's economy.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick said support and assistance from the government is all the more necessary as many hawkers and petty traders lost out a great deal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since hawkers and petty traders solely depend on their business as the main source of income, their livelihood and financial capacity was strongly affected by the pandemic and very recently by floods.

"Such disasters result in heavy losses for these business community," he said during the National Level Traders and Petty Traders Convention (HPPK 2022) which was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, here yesterday.

Ewon said based on a recent survey, 97 per cent of the entrepreneurs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are eager to return to business although during that period 57.1 per cent of hawkers who operated in the city had already closed shop.

The survey also said that entrepreneurs need the government's support and assistance in the form of grants, financing, training and guidance.

HPPK 2022 which is normally held on Nov 18, every year to appreciate the contributions of hawkers and petty traders towards the country's economy was delayed this year and themed "International Hawkers and Small Traders Day" convention saw the participation of 2,500 hawkers and petty traders.

The one-day convention which was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, included an expo and exhibition that provided valuable information and guidance to hawkers, especially on aspects of marketing.

-- BERNAMA