Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged state governments to ensure the interests of small traders, particularly Malay hawkers, are not overlooked. He emphasized the importance of revitalizing business centers for these traders by following the example set by the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar called on local authorities to emulate Kuala Lumpur's approach in enhancing facilities for Malay small traders and hawkers. He highlighted the need for state leaderships and local councils to focus on improving basic facilities, cleanliness, stalls, kiosks, hawker centers, and trading spaces in towns such as Kuantan, Temerloh, Kota Bharu, and Alor Setar.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Golden Jubilee Dinner of the Coalition of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations of Malaysia (GPPPKMM). He noted the initiatives by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to redevelop 60 to 70 stalls and provide a more comfortable food court to benefit Malay hawkers and petty traders.

Anwar acknowledged the significant contributions of Malay traders to society, pointing out that 80 percent of people preferred shopping at small stalls. He stressed that it would be unreasonable for the government to neglect hawkers in formulating national development policies. During the event, Anwar also announced a RM500,000 allocation for GPPPKMM.