SHAH ALAM, Aug 24 — The state government provides various forms of assistance to help small traders and hawkers in urban areas sustain their business operations.
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said RM2 million is allocated each year for the state's Poverty Eradication Blueprint Assistance Programme, which offers financial aid to urban small traders.
He said under the initiative, recipients will receive business equipment like sewing machines, rice cookers and refrigerators to encourage them to continue operating.
"Under this blueprint programme, which has been very popular, recipients are not required to repay the aid as it doesn't involve cash.
"We simply want help as most of the beneficiaries are from the low-income group," he told Media Selangor.
Papparaidu said the state's Entrepreneurship Empowerment Standing Committee also offers assistance through the Selangor Madani Entrepreneur Fund (DUMS) to help businesses purchase machinery and equipment.
Meanwhile he urged local authorities, especially those operating in urban areas, to provide strategic business locations for small-scale traders.
"This will help them attract more customers," he said, noting that locations play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of businesses.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged state governments and local councils not to neglect the interests of small traders operating in urban centres.
He said the strength of a city lies not only in its development but also in how local authorities improve basic facilities for small traders.
