Various Programmes In Place To Help Small Traders, Says Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) has rolled out various initiatives to support small traders, including live streaming sessions via TikTok Studio to help them market their products.

Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said KUSKOP also provides guidance programmes through the National Entrepreneurship Institute and organises entrepreneurship events such as the Hawkers and Small Traders Day.

“Through business matching under the One District One Industry Programme, entrepreneurs can expand their network with buyers, distributors, marketing agents, stockists, importers and supermarkets,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) on measures taken by the ministry to address concerns from small traders claiming their sales had been affected by the SARA and Jualan Rahmah initiatives, which offer goods at much lower prices.

Ramanan said KUSKOP acknowledged the concerns of small traders but stressed that the initiatives were part of the Malaysia MADANI aspirations, which prioritise the people’s well-being in addressing the rising cost of living.

“In this regard, a balanced approach is needed to ensure the needs of the lower-income group are met without jeopardising the survival of small traders, who are the backbone of the local economy,” he said.

-- BERNAMA