GEORGE TOWN – The Penang state government is considering extending aid to illegal traders and hawkers including issuing temporary licences to enable them to receive the aid and conduct their businesses legally.
State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said that a total of RM20.44 million under Penang’s three aid packages has been distributed as a one-off payment to all the traders, hawkers and others under his (Jagdeep) local government portfolio.
Almost 18,000 petty traders will be eligible to receive their share of RM8.75 million in aid under the third package.
“We have received some requests for help recently from these vulnerable groups (non-licensed petty traders) and we will consider offering aid in our third package.
“It is not that the state does not want to help them, but we also need to follow the law,” he said.
Jagdeep explained that these people were not awarded licenses because of the location they were operating at – sidewalks and five-foot walkways which could cause congestion or endanger customers.
However, the state is willing to make some exceptions.
“Maybe we can extend a temporary license to them because we understand their plight.
“Some of them have to open a stall to sell food because they have lost their job, and this is a means to survive.
“I hope they can cooperate with us to come up with a solution.
“We are currently collecting information and looking at how best to assist them.
“This shows our commitment to helping petty traders who are not only licensed and operating within a licensed premise but also those who are not licensed,” he said.
Recently, several iconic hawker stalls and food stores have closed shop due to the uncertainties brought about by the movement control order (MCO).
Most were operating at a loss while others were believed to have owed money to loan sharks.
Others, like musicians who have lost their source of income have opened food stores to stay afloat during this pandemic. – The Vibes, February 25, 2021
