Putrajaya explores similar measures alongside new youth sports initiatives - April 12, 2026
SOME 10,000 traders operating under the supervision of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will receive a 50 per cent reduction in rental rates for a period of two years, as part of government efforts to ease financial pressure on small businesses facing rising operating costs.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, said the initiative is among early measures introduced by local authorities, including DBKL and the Federal Territories of Labuan, to help traders cope with increased cost pressures, including rising fuel prices.
“We have a long list for (recipients under) DBKL, which is 10,000 across all sites, including food courts and markets,” she said after officiating the Putrajaya Aktif programme.
The rent reduction for hawkers and selected premises under DBKL will take effect from 1 April and continue until 31 December 2027.
Hannah said the government remains focused on rental reductions as the primary form of relief, noting that broader subsidy schemes are constrained by fiscal limitations and rising operational costs.
“When we reduce rent, we need to find other sources of revenue because we are also facing increased operating costs including rising fuel prices,” she said.
She added that Putrajaya Corporation is still evaluating appropriate mechanisms before rolling out similar measures, including whether additional forms of assistance beyond rental discounts can be introduced.
Separately, Hannah said the government has launched free sports classes in Putrajaya, focusing on sepak takraw and skipping, as part of efforts to address rising obesity rates among children.
She said the activities were chosen because they are low-cost and easily practised by children at home.
“These classes are held twice a month, on the second and fourth weeks, involving 50 participants per session at four locations around Putrajaya and will run throughout the year,” she said.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, with the ministry responsible for health monitoring and nutrition aspects while the initiative itself focuses on encouraging physical activity.
Hannah added that the government is also planning to gather data on obese children in Putrajaya through cooperation with the Ministry of Education, with the aim of expanding the programme to other areas including Kuala Lumpur. - April 12, 2026
