SHAH ALAM, July 6 — Petty traders eligible for the 30 per cent rental discount for business premises under local authorities say it is a lifeline for small traders faced with rising operating costs and declining consumer spending.
Selangor Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Hanim Mohd Said welcomed the initiative, seeing as rent is among traders’ largest expenses.
He said traders are not only dealing with rising raw materials prices but also with increasingly prudent consumer purchasing patterns.
“The number of customers is not as high as before because the public is more cautious with their spending and is dining out less. Traders are still making profit but not as high as before.
“This 30 per cent discount is significant for traders right now. The prices of fresh goods are rising, so any savings really helps reduce our burden,” she told Media Selangor.
Hanim added that most traders renting premises from local authorities pay around RM600 monthly, and that savings from the discount could be used to cover other operational costs, helping traders ensure business continuity.
Hanim expressed her gratitude to Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari for the state government’s concern for traders.
“Previously, petty traders received less attention, but now we see the state government giving special focus to traders’ welfare and needs.
“We thank the menteri besar for this highly meaningful initiative,” she said.
On June 19, Amirudin announced a 30 per cent discount on premises rented from local authorities for six months until December.
He said the initiative, under Phase 2 of the Selangor Resilience Enhancement Package (SREP), is aimed at helping traders navigate the global supply and energy crisis, and is expected to benefit 21,234 traders.
A total of RM4.5 million had been allocated for the aid, which is automatically disbursed.
