Modern life fuels hawker food boom


Spoiled for choice: Hawker stalls setting up ahead of a busy day to provide food for Malaysians of every socioeconomic level. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Rising incomes and more working women have transformed eating habits, driving demand for quick, accessible meals.

This trend has indirectly helped hawker food thrive in urban areas, where small-scale hawkers comprised 15% of Malaysia’s informal workforce in 2023, according to a Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) study.

In a statement issued yesterday, KRI said that supporting small-scale hawkers can foster entrepreneurship, strengthen local economic development and preserve a vital aspect of the national identity.

It said hawkers were a crucial component of microenterprises in Malaysia.

“Hawker activities emerged as a low-capital employment opportunity for individuals with limited access to formal jobs, with increased participation during economic downturns,” the statement said.

KRI said the affordability of hawker food was a significant driver behind its popularity.

“With low operating costs, hawkers can provide quality food at much lower prices than formal eateries.

“This ensures access to food for urban households regardless of income status,” it added.

“In 2023, informal employment accounted for nearly 10% of the country’s workforce, with hawkers comprising a notable portion of this sector (about 15% in 2023),” it said.

According to the statement, 73% are concentrated in urban areas, demonstrating their adaptability to urban household needs by providing essential goods and services to a wide range of income groups.

The study’s findings were published in a discussion paper titled “Hawkers and Hawking Space in Malaysia: A Case Study”, which examines the historical evolution of small-scale traders (hawkers), their economic roles and the spatial dynamics that shape hawker distribution in Peninsular Malaysia.

The study identified hawker stall clusters in major urban areas such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, and the Kota Setar district in Kedah.

“These areas benefit from high consumer demand, strong purchasing power and government support. In contrast, rural and low-density areas face challenges such as weak infrastructure and limited economic activity, resulting in fewer hawker stalls.

The statement also highlighted several key implications for policymakers and stakeholders, including emphasising the importance of institutional support in creating a conducive environment for hawkers.

“This includes providing access to credit, improving infrastructure in low-density areas and ensuring fair policies to protect hawkers’ livelihoods.

“The analysis underscores the need to address disparities in hawker stall composition across the country.

“Policies should consider effective interventions to support hawkers in underserved areas, facilitating their transition to permanent structures to achieve greater economic stability.

“The study calls for a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical factors shaping small business practices in Malaysia, as recognising these elements can help design policies that preserve small businesses’ traditions while strengthening their role as catalysts for economic inclusivity,” added the statement.

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