KUALA LUMPUR – Micro, small and medium enterprise traders were among the worst hit when the pandemic struck early last year, particularly due to the government’s various lockdowns across the nation.
The Vibes spoke to several traders ahead of the tabling of Budget 2022 by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz this evening.
Baker and Kg Muhibbah People’s Housing Project (PPR) resident Abdul Rahman Karuppeh Abdullah, 50, said he wants the government, through Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), to provide permits and allocate space in the housing project for residents to run their businesses.
“Allow us to do business in PPRs and issue licences so everything will be in order and we do not get summoned by DBKL enforcement officers. The foyer is just a waste of space right now.
“Our community depends on one another and if we are able to carry out our business in our own neighbourhood, it would be great,” he told The Vibes.
He also baulked at the idea of more one-off grants or business loans.
“If the government allocates this area for us (residents) to do business, there is no need for other forms of help because that will only become debts. By allocating an area for us, I can earn my own living.”
Fellow resident Shuhardi Md Doli, who is a tailor, said the government should study ways for residents to operate small businesses in their communities.
“If we are given an opportunity to start community-based businesses at our doorsteps, everything will be convenient.”
Many current ply their trade along roadsides and in parking lots at the flats as they do not have permits to trade in the foyers.
Meanwhile, delivery rider Fendi Hassim hopes the government will come up with a programme to improve the economic situation for petty traders.
Fendi, who travels from Selayang to Jalan Klang Lama to deliver groceries, said many petty traders feel that their businesses are slow-moving and some have had no choice but to close shop.
“It is truly heartbreaking to hear that some have committed suicide because they were so badly in debt, while many have had to run away from loan sharks.”
Food-truck owner Chong Vui Chung, meanwhile, hopes the government will consider lowering taxes for essential goods.
“I hope taxes for essential goods, like cooking oil and staple supplies, will be reduced. The government must help us as we spend a lot of money to run our food businesses.” – The Vibes, October 29, 2021
