Ravindran hopes vacant trading spaces can be given to the Indian community to run their business.
THE Johor Indian Petty Traders and Small Business Association wants the state government to form a special committee to help the community.
It is calling for the setting up of the committee to be included in Budget 2023.
Association chairman D. Ravindran said the special committee should be placed under the Johor Entrepreneur Corporation (PUJB) so that any business aid or opportunity can be given directly to registered petty traders.
“We also hope all adviser positions for this committee will be given to petty traders’ associations,” he said in a statement.
Ravindran suggested that the state government organise a workshop for barbers, food truck operators, retailers and tailors, among others.
“Training and equipment should be provided by PUJB.
“At the end of the programme, applicants could be offered interest-free loans of between RM20,000 and RM50,000 to start their business,” he said.
The state government should also include a grant programme to help SMEs kick-start their business with at least RM20,000 provided, as long as they have been operating for at least six months.
“We would also like to propose a loan scheme offering between RM5,000 and RM10,000 to those operating at the Deepavali Bazaar.
“The government should also provide aid to those wanting to run a food truck business.
“The current regulations are too strict and the capital required too high,” he added.
Ravindran also hoped that vacant trading spaces at markets, food courts and bazaars under local councils would be given to the Indian community.
“The Indian community’s involvement in such businesses is low and action is needed to encourage more of them to become entrepreneurs,” he said.
