TEMERLOH: The government remains committed to strengthening hawkers and small traders, the backbone of the people’s economy, through initiatives in digitalisation, financing and capacity-building under the Malaysia Madani agenda, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister described these groups as the unsung heroes of the people’s economy, fuelling domestic growth and sustaining the nation’s economic stability.
He highlighted that the contribution of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) underscores the sector’s strength, generating RM652.4bil in gross domestic product (GDP) last year and creating 8.1 million jobs.
“They are on the front lines every day, from morning markets to night hawkers, ensuring the people have access to food and daily necessities at fair prices. They embody the true spirit of the nation’s enterprise,” Anwar said during the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Hawkers and Small Traders Day in Lurah Semantan yesterday.
The text of his speech was read out on his behalf by Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Bernama reported. Also in attendance were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Anwar said the government aims to raise MSMEs’ contribution to 50% of GDP by 2030, in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030.
He said the initiative is outlined in the National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy 2030, formulated by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry to empower these communities.
“However, a comprehensive policy on paper must be backed by swift action on the ground to ensure its benefits are felt by the targeted communities,” he said.
He emphasised that, in this context, the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry plays a pivotal role as the lead agency in ensuring that government policies and initiatives are effectively translated into tangible support for hawkers and small traders to thrive.
A key initiative is the ministry’s Program Jajahan Rakyat, in partnership with Bank Rakyat, aimed at expanding digital access and fast-tracking the shift to cashless transactions among small traders, he said.
He noted that the approach not only improves transaction efficiency but also enables small traders to adapt inclusively to the evolving digital economy.
“This programme goes beyond providing financial support; it also cultivates a conducive and competitive business environment,” he said, adding that initiatives to empower hawkers and small traders have been strengthened under Budget 2026, which emphasises funding support, financial assistance and incentives to expand into international markets.
He said this focus reflects the government’s commitment to ensure small traders remain competitive, enhance their livelihoods and serve as vital contributors to the country’s economic growth.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in a statement said Anwar cancelled his planned working visit to Pahang due to back pain.
The PMO said the last-minute cancellation was made following advice from his medical team, as his condition had restricted his movement, adding that the Prime Minister was advised by doctors to get sufficient rest.
