HULU LANGAT, Nov 1 - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an allocation of RM1 million for the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) to assist associations of hawkers and small-scale traders.
Anwar said the ministry will coordinate the allocation, which is intended to enhance the group's business capabilities and income.
“For this instance, I am providing RM1 million to assist hawkers. It can support hundreds of hawkers, stalls, and their respective associations. Please manage this effectively and ensure traders are well informed about the assistance available.
“The goal is to ensure an annual increase in business income. I also want the coalition of hawker and small-trader associations to collaborate with KUSKOP. I would like to see data on their average business income over the past three years compared to this year, to track the growth, and so on.
“This will allow us to conduct an assessment to identify weaknesses and shortcomings. In my view, by supporting hawkers and small-scale traders, we are effectively helping over a million families,” he said while officiating the closing ceremony of the National Hawkers and Small-Scale Traders Day 2026 (HPPK2026) at the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) Square, Kajang Stadium, today.
Anwar also emphasised the need to provide cleaner, more organised, and comfortable stall and kiosk facilities, ensuring small-scale traders continue to have a place in the nation’s economic landscape.
He added that most of the public still frequent stalls and kiosks for meals; therefore, the business facilities used by this group must be prioritised and improved.
"Between 80 and 85 per cent of the population dine at hawker stalls and small eateries. Those who choose to dine at large hotels, that is perfectly fine; we have no issue with that, as they have the means to do so. That is precisely why I want hawker stalls to be upgraded, beautified, and made cleaner," he said.
Anwar noted that supporting hawkers and small-scale traders does more than just ensure the survival of their businesses; it also positively impacts the economic well-being of their families and the local community.
HPPK 2026, a three-day event held at Dataran MPKj (near Kajang Stadium, Selangor) from October 30th until today.
The event brought together over 300 entrepreneurs. The initiative aimed to showcase local products, expand business opportunities, and recognise the contributions of hawkers and small-scale traders to the national economy.
