Various initiatives implemented to help hawkers, petty traders recover post-pandemic - PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has implemented various programmes and initiatives to help hawkers and petty traders to get back on their feet in the post-pandemic phase, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said among the programme implemented in collaboration with agencies and associations is the Usahawan Muda Kota (UMK), which aims to produce more young entrepreneurs to do business in strategic locations within the capital.

He said so far, 1,252 modern, organised and clean business spaces or kiosks had been set up under the programme.

"Apart from that, the government also provides a reduction of up to 50 per cent on premises rent, an exemption for site rental to hawkers and small traders as well as a licence fee exemption for hawkers and petty traders in the Federal Territories to reduce the burden following the implementation of the MCO (Movement Control Order) previously.

"An interest-free Micro Financing Programme amounting to RM50,000 is also offered to hawkers and small traders who carry out business online," he said in his speech at the opening of the Hawkers, Traders and Small-time Entrepreneurs Mega Fair at Dataran Merdeka here today.

The Prime Minister said there was also a programme to help hawkers and petty traders with digitalisation in the post-pandemic period, namely through the 'Warongku' application.

Ismail Sabri also suggested to the group to get the 'Prihatin Penjaja dan Peniaga In2NIAGA' card to enable traders and their assistants to enjoy the advantages offered by the In2NIAGA platform.

The In2NIAGA initiative is a collaboration between several associations, the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and AEON to ensure entrepreneurs and workers are covered by affordable insurance through Socso as well as enjoy other advantages.

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister also announced that he had agreed to become the patron of the Malaysian Federation of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations.

He said that as a patron, he would regularly meet with all hawker associations across the country and give them appropriate assistance.

"Hawkers are always close to my heart. I also used to be a hawker when I was in primary school. I used to sell lemons and fish at the mini market in Temerloh town. So I understand the issues raised by the hawkers, because I used to be one myself," he said.

Ismail Sabri also said that if the 'Keluarga Malaysia' government regained its mandate in the 15th General Election, the one-off grant of RM1,000 for all registered micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS) would be among the initiatives that would be implemented as announced in Budget 2023.

He added that the Budget tabled earlier this month was responsive in supporting business activities, especially for the PMKS sector.

-- BERNAMA