Melaka: The one-month business premises rent waiver initiated by the Melaka state government, effective from July 1, is anticipated to provide substantial relief to small-scale traders throughout the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Senior Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change, and Disaster Management, Datuk Rais Yasin, announced that this measure applies to all premises managed by local authorities across Melaka. The initiative is set to cost the state government RM2.6 million. Rais emphasized that this is not a moratorium but a free one-month waiver for all premises under the local authorities, including Medan Samudera, which accommodates nearly 100 traders.

Rais stated that the objective is to alleviate traders' financial burdens by reducing rental and operating costs, thereby supporting the business continuity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) amid the current economic climate. He conveyed this information during a press conference after visiting traders at Medan Samudera, Banda Hilir.

He further explained that for premises owned by state government agencies and subsidiaries, the implementation of rent discounts depends on their financial capacity. Agencies like the Melaka Corporation (MCORP) have the option to offer up to a 30 per cent rental reduction, contingent upon their ability to manage the involved rentals.

Rais also mentioned that the state government might extend these measures in the future based on the prevailing situation and reassured that the administration is sensitive to the traders' challenges. In addition to the rent waiver, a 50 per cent discount on hawker licence renewals is being offered by local authorities to enhance traders' cash flow and support the growth of the state's trade sector.