Anwar said rental reductions would be implemented nationwide and announced progressively by district.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged local authorities and state governments to immediately reduce rental rates for business premises as part of efforts to ease the financial burden faced by small traders and hawkers amid rising living costs.
Speaking at a Global Supply Crisis press conference today, Anwar said rental reductions would be implemented nationwide and announced progressively by district, as many of these shop lots are owned by government agencies such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and the Urban Development Authority of Malaysia (UDA Holdings).
He added that the move follows similar efforts by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, which has already reduced rental rates for its premises.
“Last week, before Friday prayers, I went to a food stall in Rawang, and although the lady there was polite and courteous, I could sense her concerns as she had to deal with increasing input costs.
“Even though she said it is only a small increase, it accumulates every week. If it continues for four weeks, it certainly has an impact and makes it difficult for her business.”
He said that while the government acknowledged rental adjustments fall under the jurisdiction of state governments and local councils, urgent action was needed to reduce cost pressures on traders.
“I would also like to thank the Menteri Besar of Selangor for responding positively, and in the near future, rental rates for all business premises will be reduced, especially for small businesses, hawkers and food outlets.”
In addition to rental relief, Anwar said the government would also expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme, which has been identified as a key mechanism to lower the cost of essential goods.
“Under the expansion, the number of Jualan Rahmah programmes will be increased to 30,000 nationwide starting this year, up from more than 25,000 implemented previously.
“The programme will also be standardised to take place at least once a week in all state constituencies,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to provide consumers with more predictable access to lower-priced goods, with some items reportedly sold at 5% to 30% below market prices.
Anwar said the programme would also be extended beyond urban fringe areas to selected rural and village locations.
He also emphasised that small traders would be included in the initiative to ensure they benefit directly, rather than allowing the programme to be dominated by large corporations.
While acknowledging that these measures will not fully resolve cost-of-living challenges, Anwar said the combined interventions are expected to help ease current financial pressures on both consumers and small businesses.
