Gov't's Move To Reduce Rent For Business Premises Can Ease Traders' Burden - Perak DPPM

IPOH, May 5 (Bernama) -- The move to reduce rental rates for business premises owned by all Federal government agencies beginning this month is deemed helpful to ease traders’ operating costs following the rise in fuel prices, says Perak Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPM) president Amirudin Tajudin.

He said the step would also help traders lower selling prices for consumers or avoid any price increases.

"With this move, it will to some extent help entrepreneurs to continue their businesses even with smaller profit margins," he said in a statement today.

Amirudin said he hoped the Federal government’s initiative would be followed by state governments as well as local authorities.

"If possible, private companies should take similar steps because the chain effect will ultimately benefit the people," he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had directed that rental rates for business premises owned by all Federal government agencies, such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and UDA Holdings Bhd, be reduced beginning this month to help small traders reduce operating costs.

The Prime Minister said the move was part of the government’s efforts to assist traders and hawkers affected by the current global supply crisis.

Meanwhile, Amirudin also welcomed the government’s move to intensify the implementation of the Rahmah MADANI Sales Programme (PJRM), increasing it to 30,000 programmes this year, covering all constituencies, and to be held weekly with a fixed schedule.

He said expanding the programme to rural areas and selected villages, with the participation of small traders, would also provide opportunities for local traders, most of whom operate small grocery shops.

Earlier, the government had agreed to expand the PJRM initiative nationwide by increasing the frequency of its implementation to a weekly basis in an effort to help ease the cost of living for the people.

-- BERNAMA