PUTRAJAYA: Every development in the country must also include hawkers and petty traders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Citing Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said the city centre must not only be beautiful and clean for skyscraper buildings, banks, and big businesses, but must also provide facilities for the group.
"These hawkers and petty traders must be given place in public spaces with basic facilities for them to conduct their businesses.
"During my visit this morning to Kuala Lumpur City Hall, I stressed that this matter must be given emphasis and should be materialised as soon as possible.
"It should be a joint effort by all ministries in our focus to 'merakyatkan ekonomi' (in empowering the people in economy).
"The growth of our economy is not only driven by bringing in foreign investors, but also small and medium enterprises.
"I'd be prouder of this unity government if it can give more attention and priority in helping and providing space for hawkers and small traders," he said in his speech at the national-level 2022 Hawkers and Petty Traders Day Convention (Konvensyen Hari Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil or HPPK2022).
Present were Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, his deputy Saraswathy Kandasami, and the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad.
Anwar said he would ensure that the cabinet members and ministries, including the Prime Minister's Office and Finance Ministry, are on the same page in helping the group.
"I want to see that this country not only talks about the people, livelihood, and the Malays, but also all efforts are in place to assist the poor to live comfortably."
Meanwhile, on the event, a total of 2,500 hawkers and petty traders nationwide attended the HPPK2022 organised by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry.