HPPK 2025 celebrates hawkers and small traders as vital to Malaysia’s economy with new government support and RM50 billion MSME allocation
TEMERLOH: The government remains committed to strengthening hawkers and small traders through digitalisation, financing, and capacity building initiatives 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 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises generated RM652.4 billion in Gross Domestic Product last year and created 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,” he said.
Anwar’s speech was delivered by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Hawkers and Small Traders Day in Lurah Semantan.
The government aims to raise MSMEs’ contribution to 50% of GDP by 2030 in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030.
This initiative is outlined in the National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy 2030 formulated by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
“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 emphasised.
KUSKOP plays a pivotal role as the lead agency in ensuring government policies are effectively translated into tangible support for hawkers and small traders.
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.
This 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.
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.
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
