ALOR SETAR, 30 Nov 2019:
A circular on the guidelines to facilitate the application of business licences – for hawkers and small traders – will be issued soon to local authorities.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the circular would be issued by Housing and Local Government Ministry to facilitate the application of business licences.
“Business licences for hawkers and traders are difficult to obtain due to several administrative issues. When it comes to starting a business, one has to register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and the local authority (PBT).
“Issues related to license needs approval from the parties involved. Each PBT uses a different method of application and licensing.
“Therefore, with the circular, it will be better managed, although there may be some complexities,” he said after the launch of the National Hawkers and Small Traders Celebration 2019.
Saifuddin said there are 1.5 million hawkers and petty traders registered under SSM nationwide, and those who have not done so are urged to check with the ministry.
“Many measures have been taken to encourage them to register with SSM including eliminating registration fees. Prior to this, they have to pay, but now, the government has allocated RM10 million to cope with the abolition of the fee.
“We are willing to compromise despite not making any profit, because, what is more important is to facilitate their business license application.”
Saifuddin said the government has agreed to reintroduce the special award for hawkers and petty traders, which was last held in 2014, as a token of appreciation to the group which also contributes to the country’s economy.
– Bernama