PETALING JAYA ( WNAM MONITORING): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged local authorities and state governments to immediately reduce rental rates for business premises as part of efforts to ease the financial burden faced by small traders and hawkers amid rising living costs.
Speaking at a Global Supply Crisis press conference today, Anwar said rental reductions would be implemented nationwide and announced progressively by district, as many of these shop lots are owned by government agencies such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and the Urban Development Authority of Malaysia (UDA Holdings).
He added that the move follows similar efforts by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, which has already reduced rental rates for its premises.
“Last week, before Friday prayers, I went to a food stall in Rawang, and although the lady there was polite and courteous, I could sense her concerns as she had to deal with increasing input costs.
“Even though she said it is only a small increase, it accumulates every week. If it continues for four weeks, it certainly has an impact and makes it difficult for her business.”
He said that while the government acknowledged rental adjustments fall under the jurisdiction of state governments and local councils, urgent action was needed to reduce cost pressures on traders.
“I would also like to thank the Menteri Besar of Selangor for responding positively, and in the near future, rental rates for all business premises will be reduced, especially for small businesses, hawkers and food outlets.”
In addition to rental relief, Anwar said the government would also expand the Jualan Rahmah Madani programme, which has been identified as a key mechanism to lower the cost of essential goods.
