Malaysia

Anwar vows stronger support for small traders amid rising cost-of-living pressures

The Prime Minister pledges that the government will intensify efforts to protect ordinary Malaysians and small businesses from mounting economic pressures

Updated 4 months ago · Published on 16 May 2026 10:32AM

Anwar vows stronger support for small traders amid rising cost-of-living pressures
Anwar assures Malaysians that their concerns will continue to shape national policy - May 16, 2026

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening assistance for small traders and ordinary Malaysians as households and businesses continue to grapple with rising economic challenges.

The Prime Minister said the government remained attentive to public concerns surrounding living costs, business conditions and everyday hardships faced by people on the ground.

In a message shared on Facebook following a visit to Negeri Sembilan, Anwar said direct engagement with the public remained essential in understanding the realities confronting local communities.

“Concluding my programme in Negeri Sembilan yesterday, I stopped for lunch at Restoran Ombong Salai in Sendayan while taking the opportunity to have a casual conversation with customers and traders.

“The discussions centred on the challenges of the rising cost of living, business conditions and current issues they are facing on the ground.

“The MADANI Government will continue to strengthen efforts to assist the people and small traders in facing the increasingly challenging situation at present.

“God willing, every voice will continue to be heard to ensure that the nation’s development progresses in tandem with the wellbeing and welfare of the majority of the people,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tambun, visited Sendayan yesterday in conjunction with National Youth Day celebrations and also performed Friday prayers at Masjid Sri Sendayan.

The remarks come amid continued public concern over inflationary pressures and operating costs affecting households and small enterprises across the country, with the government facing increasing calls to expand targeted assistance and economic relief measures. - May 16, 2026

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