Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM1 million to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to coordinate assistance for associations, hawkers and small traders. He made the announcement on Sunday (November 1) at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Hawkers and Small Traders Day Carnival at Stadium Kajang, as reported by Malay Mail and The Star.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the funds channelled to associations, hawkers and small traders should help improve family incomes. The event was also attended by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim and Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek. Malay Mail reported that the prime minister also urged an end to what it described as tedious paperwork for loan applications, a long-running complaint among small business owners.
Aid without higher taxes
In his speech, Anwar argued that the government would not become poor or go bankrupt by helping the less fortunate. He said the real threats to the country's economy are misconduct among leaders, corruption and financial leakages. A Star headline summarised the message as saying that curbing corruption allows more aid to be given without raising taxes.
A warning on public money
In a separate report, Malay Mail said Anwar stressed that government funds must be properly safeguarded and managed. He warned that strict action, including arrest and charges, would be taken against anyone who betrays the trust placed in them.
Why it matters
Hawkers and small traders form a large part of Malaysia's everyday economy, from morning market stalls to night food courts. Targeted assistance, simpler access to financing and a firm message on governance are likely to be welcomed by many in the sector, although the real impact will depend on how quickly the assistance reaches those who need it and how the funds are monitored. Readers who run small businesses may wish to check with KUSKOP for details on eligibility and application procedures once they are announced.
Sources: Malay Mail - Anwar pledges RM1m boost for hawkers | Malay Mail - Anwar: Manage govt funds with care or face arrest, charges
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