KUALA LUMPUR: Hawkers here are reportedly making less than RM100 a day due to stiff competition and illegal businesses run by foreigners.
Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations president Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman said the hawkers could barely scrape together a living due to this.
"Before Covid-19, hawkers could make RM100 a day and save RM3,000 a month," he told reporters.
To overcome the problem, Rosli suggested that the number of hawkers in a given area be limited in proportion to the population density.
"A volumetric balance between supply and demand is crucial before a licence is handed out.
"We cannot simply accept all those who wish to do business (in a particular area). If we do, the hawkers will be living hand-to-mouth," he said.
Rosli suggested that a thorough census be undertaken of all hawkers to avoid overlapping offerings and create healthy competition.
On another matter, he urged the local authorities to reassess the current amount when it comes to fines.
He claimed hawkers were issued with RM2,000 fines for breaking any law.
"The fine is too burdensome to the hawker community because they cannot plead for it to be reduced. The fines should be educational, not burdensome," he said.
However, Rosli did not offer any solution on the issue of illegal businesses run by foreigners, only saying he hoped the new Kuala Lumpur mayor could offer one soon.
On Aug 14, Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif was appointed the new mayor.
The former mayor of Penang Island City Council replaced Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh.
Rosli said he has sent a letter to Maimunah to organise a meeting.
"We hope to give good suggestions to the Kuala Lumpur mayor to tackle these issues," he said.