Govt Strengthens Support For Hawkers, Small Traders Under Malaysia Madani Agenda - Anwar

TEMERLOH, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The government remains committed to strengthening hawkers and small traders, the backbone of the people’s economy, through initiatives in digitalisation, financing, and capacity building under the Malaysia MADANI agenda.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described these groups as the unsung heroes of the people’s economy, fuelling domestic growth and sustaining the nation’s economic stability.

He highlighted that the contribution of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) underscores the sector’s strength, generating RM652.4 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year and creating 8.1 million jobs.

“They are on the frontlines every day, from morning markets to night hawkers, ensuring the people have access to food and daily necessities at fair prices. They embody the true spirit of the nation’s enterprise,” he said.  

He said this during the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Hawkers and Small Traders Day (HPPK2025) in Lurah Semantan today. The speech was read on his behalf by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Also in attendance were Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

Anwar said the government aims to raise MSMEs' contribution to 50 per cent of GDP by 2030, in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 (DKN2030).

He said the initiative is outlined in the National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy 2030, formulated by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to empower these communities.

“However, a comprehensive policy on paper must be backed by swift action on the ground to ensure its benefits are felt by the targeted communities,” he said.

He emphasised that, in this context, KUSKOP plays a pivotal role as the lead agency in ensuring that government policies and initiatives are effectively translated into tangible support for hawkers and small traders to thrive.

He highlighted that a key initiative is KUSKOP’s Program Jajahan Rakyat, in partnership with Bank Rakyat, aimed at expanding digital access and fast-tracking the shift to cashless transactions among small traders.

He noted that the approach not only improves transaction efficiency but also enables small traders to adapt inclusively to the evolving digital economy.

“This programme goes beyond providing financial support; it also cultivates a conducive and competitive business environment,” he said, adding that initiatives to empower hawkers and small traders have been strengthened under Budget 2026, which emphasises funding support, financial assistance, and incentives to expand into international markets.

He said this focus reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring small traders remain competitive, enhance their livelihoods, and serve as vital contributors to the country’s economic growth.

-- BERNAMA