KAJANG, – Hawkers and small traders are described as people’s heroes who are not only a source of sustenance for millions of families, but also play an important role in moving the country’s economy.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, the group needs to continue to be helped and empowered since their contribution is much greater than just running a small-scale business.
“The majority of people, 80 to 85 percent, eat at stalls and stalls. That’s why since becoming Prime Minister, for the past four years, every Friday week, before or after Friday prayers, I go to have lunch at stalls and stalls to show that it’s good that we support stalls and traders.
“He is not a big company, he is not Datuk or Tan Sri. But he is the people’s hero. He can help lift the economy of the people, he takes care of his family and he can generate the economy,” he said when speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 National Sponsors and Small Traders Day Carnival (HPPK) at the Main Stage, MPKj Square Traders and Small Traders Day Carnival, Kajang Stadium, here today.
In the meantime, Datuk Seri Anwar announced the allocation of RM1 million to the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) to be coordinated to help hawker associations and small traders at the national and state levels.
He said, the effectiveness of government assistance should also be evaluated based on the increase in traders’ income, including a comparison of their average income in the past three years with this year.
He asked the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, Steven Sim Chee Keong to work with relevant associations to identify the level of income increase as well as weaknesses that still need to be addressed.
“Perhaps Steven Sim (KUSKOP Minister) can cooperate with the association. I want to know how much. Take the average trader’s income three years ago and this year. How much is the increase? This is how we make an assessment. What are his weaknesses, what are his shortcomings.
“Because for me, if we can help these traders and small traders, they will help one million families in our country,” he said.
The government also paid attention to efforts to ensure stalls and stalls across the country are cleaner, orderly and attractive to improve customer comfort and the image of the hawker sector.
The effort can not only improve the living standards of small traders, but also stimulate local economic activities.