No Special Incentives for Ramadan Bazaar Traders This Year

There won't be any special incentives for hawkers and small traders at the Ramadan bazaar this year, announced Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick in a parliamentary reply. Instead, traders are encouraged to apply for schemes such as the Tekun Funding Scheme and incentives offered by Amanah Ikhthiar Malaysia and Bank Rakyat.

However, small vendors are invited to join the Madani government's raya sales program in Putrajaya during Ramadan. Kuskop is collaborating with the Putrajaya Corporation to organize the Raya Madani sales program at the Putrajaya Ramadan Festival from March 8 to 9. As part of this program, Kuskop will provide incentives for the sale price of goods, allowing products needed for the festival to be sold at a discounted price of up to 20%.

It's worth noting that last year, the government also did not provide special incentives for small vendors at Ramadan bazaars. However, in February last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Madani government would provide RM50 million to build and upgrade 3,000 stalls and kiosks as facilities for small hawkers at key locations across the country during the re-tabling of Budget 2023.

This decision not to offer special incentives this year has raised concerns among some traders who rely heavily on the Ramadan bazaar for their income. Some argue that the absence of incentives could impact their ability to participate in the bazaar and make a living during the festive season.

Despite this, Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick emphasized that traders have other avenues to seek support and encouraged them to explore these options. He also highlighted the Madani government's efforts to provide opportunities for traders, such as the Raya Madani sales program in Putrajaya, as a way to support them during Ramadan.

The decision not to provide special incentives this year reflects the government's focus on promoting sustainable economic development and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. While this may be a disappointment for some traders, the government's commitment to supporting small businesses remains strong, as evidenced by previous initiatives to improve facilities and provide financial assistance.

As the Ramadan season approaches, it is hoped that traders will find ways to adapt and thrive, despite the absence of special incentives. The government's efforts to create opportunities for traders, combined with their resilience and creativity, will hopefully lead to a successful Ramadan bazaar season for all involved.

Traders and small business owners are encouraged to take advantage of alternative schemes and programs offered by the government to support their businesses during this period. The Tekun Funding Scheme, incentives by Amanah Ikhthiar Malaysia, and Bank Rakyat are among the avenues available to them.

Additionally, the invitation to participate in the Raya Madani sales program in Putrajaya presents a valuable opportunity for traders to showcase their products and attract customers. The collaboration between Kuskop and the Putrajaya Corporation demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting small businesses and ensuring that they have access to markets to promote their goods.

While the absence of special incentives may present challenges for some traders, it also underscores the importance of exploring diverse avenues for support and business development. Adapting to changing circumstances and seeking out opportunities for growth will be crucial for traders looking to thrive in the current economic environment.

Overall, while the decision not to provide special incentives may be disappointing for some, it is part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting sustainable economic development and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. Traders are encouraged to remain resilient and innovative in navigating these challenges and to take advantage of the support available to them to succeed in their businesses.

Zulaikha Farhana is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

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