KAJANG, Nov 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an allocation of RM1 million to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to coordinate assistance for associations, hawkers, and small traders to boost their income.

He said the allocation takes into account the hundreds of thousands of hawkers, small traders, and associations operating nationwide.

“Initially, I thought of announcing RM100,000, which is already a significant amount, but then I considered that there are hundreds of thousands of hawkers, businesses, stalls, and associations across the country, so let us manage this properly.

“(The government) is providing assistance so that every year we see an increase in the income of hawkers and traders,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the national-level Hawkers and Small Traders Day (HPPK) Carnival 2026 here today.

Also present were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Also in attendance was Federation of Malay Hawkers and Small Traders Associations of Malaysia (GPPPKMM) president Datuk Zainal Abidin Abd Majid.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the allocation channelled to associations, hawkers, and small traders would help improve family incomes.

“If you ask me whether Anwar is satisfied with the plight of hawkers, I am not satisfied because they make up the majority of the people and their lives are hard. They live hand-to-mouth.

“If we ask them to go to an office and spend a whole day filling in loan forms, that is a burden on them. So we must find ways to increase their income,” he said.

The Prime Minister also asked Steven Sim to work with relevant associations to obtain data on the income growth and average earnings of hawkers and small traders over the past three years.

“This is how we assess our weaknesses and shortcomings, because if we can help hawkers and small traders, it will benefit one million families in our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar urged hawkers to keep their stalls clean and presentable, noting that about 85 per cent of the population choose to eat at street stalls and food outlets.

“That is why, since becoming Prime Minister four years ago, every week before or after Friday prayers, I have lunch at food stalls to show that we should support these small businesses and traders.

“Sometimes the food is tastier than at large restaurants, but more importantly, it is much cheaper.

“If I want the stalls to be clean and have well-maintained roofs, I believe the public wants the same,” he said. — Bernama