SHAH ALAM, June 22 — Traders operating in local council-owned premises must keep prices affordable, not unnecessarily hike them, as the Selangor government has introduced several aid measures, said state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim.
He added that businesses benefiting from the new six-month rent discount and other state initiatives should ensure the savings translate into greater value for consumers.
“We hope traders will not simply use global uncertainties or rising costs as an excuse to increase prices.
“If operating costs are reduced through government assistance, they should keep prices under control and, where possible, offer more affordable prices to attract customers,” he said when winding up the debate on Phase 2 of the Selangor Resilience Enhancement Package (SREP) at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today.
The RM209.26 million SREP Phase 2, announced by Menteri Besar Dato’ Amirudin Shari on June 19, comprises 15 initiatives aimed at helping households and businesses cope with rising living costs and global economic uncertainties.
Among the initiatives is a six-month 30 per cent rental reduction for over 21,000 traders renting premises under local authorities across Selangor, aimed at easing the burden on small traders amid current economic challenges while ensuring consumers benefit.
On proposals by state assemblymen to reduce or waive licence fees for businesses in Selangor, Ng said the Selangor government remains open to the suggestion.
“Selangor previously exempted hawker licence fees statewide for eight years, from 2016 to 2023, as part of efforts to reduce operating costs and encourage participation in small-scale economic activities.
“Although licence fees were reintroduced in 2024 to strengthen local council finances, the state government remains open to considering future reductions or exemptions, subject to local authority financial capacities and prevailing economic conditions,” Ng explained.
