Latest news with #PutrajayaHawkersandSmallTradersAssociation
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Traders welcome postponement
PETALING JAYA: The postponement of the enforcement on food traders using subsidised gas and the permit application requirement has been welcomed as a move that will give small businesses some breathing room. These businesses had been left confused over the ruling which mandates that any trader using more than 42kg of gas at 'any one time' has to apply for a permit and may not use subsidised gas. Many small traders use one tank or two tanks at a time but may have another one or two on standby. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said yesterday that micro and small-scale food and beverage traders will be exempt from enforcement of the rules under Ops Gasak. The Cabinet had agreed to review regulations related to traders' use of subsidised LPG cylinders, based on recommendations submitted by his ministry, yesterday. Putrajaya Hawkers and Small Traders Association Juhaidi Yean Abdullah said every 20% increase in essential goods across the board will directly cause 5% of small traders to go out of business. 'When the cost of any essential goods increases, it has a direct impact on the members, that's how sensitive the situation is. 'The government can give aid to the public but they don't realise the people end up spending more because of rulings like this, so it essentially becomes a cycle,' he noted. 'Think about canteen food – what used to cost RM1 will cost RM1.50 or more, so parents have to increase the school lunch money. 'I am wondering if they had asked the stakeholders before they came up with the decision,' Juhaidi added. Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association president Keu Kok Meng hailed the exemption as a good move. 'Of course, it makes sense to allow small-scale operators to use the subsidised gas. But sooner or later, the government must announce in a proper manner whether to minimise the price of the non-subsidised gas. 'If they want us to use the commercial gas, please reconsider the price, which is too high,' he said. The subsidised gas costs RM26 while the commercial ones go for RM70. Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association president Govindasamy Jayabalan wanted a longer postponement of implementation of commercial gas usage – for up to two years. This, he said, would give time for restaurant owners to adjust pricing. 'The temporary postponement is good, but we hope they can extend it to two years so people can be informed about the situation and accept the price increase. 'Gas is extremely essential in the food business. There is already a lot of price increases, like chicken and eggs. We cannot be running on losses,' he said. In response to the shift to commercial cylinder usage, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong reminded the government that customers will have to fork out more for food at eateries. He also dismissed the need for a permit for LPG cylinders, stating that there was no need to be strict on small-time food vendors who barely earn enough to make ends meet. As of May 1, eateries, including hawker stalls, have been required to use commercial gas cylinders priced at RM70. The ruling was passed in 2019 but the enforcement began last month.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Stats Dept launches tool for small traders, hawkers to make data-driven decisions
PUTRAJAYA: Small traders and hawkers will be able to make data-driven decisions with a newly launched dashboard that tracks socio-economic indicators, says Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Uzir Mahidin. "With the collected data on hawkers and traders, we will be able to study the socio-economic situation more specifically," he said after launching the Putrajaya Hawkers and Small Traders Association (Penjaya) dashboard here on Monday (May 19). Uzir said that the dashboard, which is part of the department's strategy to make statistics publicly available, would be expanded to include hawkers and small traders nationwide by the end of 2025. Uzir also said that the initiative marked a significant milestone in government-community collaboration, demonstrating how data can be effectively used to promote the well-being of the people. Federation of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations president Datuk Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid said the dashboard would also help to ensure delivery of government assistance. "The data collected and integrated into the dashboard will help us provide better information to the government when requesting budgetary assistance," he said. Penjaya president Juhaidi Yean Abdullah said the website marks a new chapter for Penjaya in moving them towards data-driven approaches. The dashboard is available at which compiles data on hawkers and petty traders in the Federal Territory.
