Ministry booths at markets to engage traders, youths
PETALING JAYA: The relevant ministries and agencies have been instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to set up booths at markets across Kuala Lumpur next week to engage directly with hawkers, petty traders and youths in order to better understand the challenges they face.
Anwar said the government must reach out to the people instead of waiting for them to seek assistance at government offices.
“This is a Madani government that goes down to help, not one that waits in offices. I have instructed them (civil servants) that next week, they must go to markets in Kuala Lumpur to provide information.
“Ask them (hawkers) whether they have enough capital and proper facilities,” he said when opening the National Youth Day 2026 celebration in Negri Sembilan yesterday, where he also announced an increase in funding for the Malaysian Youth Council to RM5mil this year.
He said findings from a recent study by the Khazanah Research Institute showed that small traders and youths in Kuala Lumpur remained among the lower-income groups, with only about 6% receiving loans.
“So I told the ministries not to wait. Next week, go to the markets, open booths and ask youths what they need,” Anwar said, adding that he needed the cooperation of level-headed youths to help the government address current challenges.
He said the government had already channelled RM15.5bil through the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah initiatives.
The Prime Minister also revealed that discussions held on Thursday with agencies such as Mara, SME Corp, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and Tekun Nasional involved nearly RM6bil in financing for youths and small traders.
“This country must care about the needs of those at the grassroots.”
Touching on global challenges, Anwar said the world was currently facing issues such as unemployment, rising prices and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed that the government would remain focused on matters within its control.
He reassured the public that Malaysia’s fuel supply remained stable despite global uncertainties.
“This is one of the few countries where fuel supplies are still sufficient. There is no need for rationing, no long queues and no restrictions on vehicle usage,” he said, attributing the situation to good management by PETRONAS, sound government economic policies and an efficient administration led by the Chief Secretary to the Government.
Anwar also urged all parties to prioritise the people’s welfare over political power struggles.
“The focus now is on the people, not the struggle for power. Elections will be the arena for that later.
“But for now, we must pay attention to the people.”
The Prime Minister also praised Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun for his resilience and spirit in navigating the prolonged political challenges in the state.
Anwar said Negri Sembilan had recorded encouraging development under Aminuddin’s leadership, citing economic growth, increased investments and more job opportunities.
“What does it mean to become a government? It means leadership that is trustworthy, not corrupt, that does not steal money and does not seize land,” he said.
