BUTTERWORTH: The National Hawkers and Small Traders Carnival 2024 (HPPK2024) is proof of the government's commitment to supporting hawkers and small traders.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the three-day carnival was timely and in line with efforts to uplift and empower hawkers and small traders.

He said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed 39.1 per cent to the country's gross domestic product last year and they employed 48 per cent of the nation's workforce.

"HPPK2024 is a testament to the government's commitment to advancing the MSME sector, especially in Penang, fostering economic growth and contributing to the national GDP.

"As we work to uplift the socioeconomic status of these traders, it is vital for those entrusted with this mission to engage directly with them to understand, empathise and address their needs," he said in his opening speech at the carnival at the PICCA Convention Centre here on Saturday.

The carnival, themed "Madani Hawkers and Small Traders: Progressive, Sustainable, Enduring", aimed to provide hawkers and small traders a platform to market their products and expand their network. More than 360 entrepreneurs, including food truck operators, participated.

Participants and visitors had the opportunity to obtain the latest information from agencies on financing options, training programmes and entrepreneurial support.

The carnival saw the signing of a a memorandum of understanding between the Coalition of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations of Malaysia and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to allow contributions to the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme.

Ewon said HPPK2024 witnessed history with the launch of the ministry's National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy 2030 (D3PKN2030) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"This policy will serve as a guiding framework for the growth of the hawkers and small traders community in our country.

"It aims to boost the capacity and capability of hawkers and small traders to ensure resilience, while encouraging them to expand their market reach and achieve sustainable business growth."

Ewon thanked Anwar for the government's commitment to empowering petty traders and hawkers.

"The MSME community continues to be a large focus of the prime minister. Under the 2025 Budget, RM40 billion was allocated for aid schemes and financial guarantees.

"I would also like to thank the prime minister for approving a special allocation to upgrade the Tamu Desa markets in Sabah and Sarawak during HPPK2023. I hope he will consider further support or incentives to empower our hawkers and small traders.

"A higher allocation will be a boost for hawkers and small traders across the country. The ministry hopes this year's HPPK and future events will achieve the aim of improving the socio-economy of hawkers and small traders, while working towards eradicating extreme poverty among them."

Ewon proposed establishing a database for hawkers and small traders, consolidating data from local authorities and other agencies into a single system.

"This database will be essential to support D3PKN2030. But this proposal requires consideration from the Digital Ministry. Hopefully, with approval, we can move towards implementation."

Ewon promised that his ministry would fulfil its duties responsibly to bring the 2025 Budget's goals to fruition, adhering to the highest standards of governance.

"I am confident HPPK2024 will strengthen coordination between ministries, agencies and our partnerships with business associations nationwide, securing a better future for our communities."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1130225/govt-committed-uplifting-small-traders