Hawkers Small Traders Key To Economic Growth Says Anwar

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The prime minister says micro, small and medium enterprises embody the nation’s true entrepreneurial spirit.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government aims to increase MSMEs’ contribution to 50% of GDP by 2030 compared with 39.1% in 2023.PETALING JAYA: The government remains committed to strengthening hawkers and small traders through initiatives in digitalisation, financing, and capacity building, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed RM652.4 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) and created 8.1 million jobs last year – driving domestic growth and sustaining national economic stability, Bernama reported.
“They are on the frontlines every day, running morning markets and night stalls, ensuring people have access to food and daily necessities at fair prices. They embody the true spirit of the nation’s enterprise,” he said in a speech in Temerloh, Pahang.
Anwar’s speech was delivered on his behalf by Pahang menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Hawkers and Small Traders Day.
He said the government aims to increase MSMEs’ contribution to 50% of GDP by 2030 – compared with 39.1% in 2023 – in line with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030.
Anwar said this target is supported by the National Hawkers and Small Traders Development Policy 2030, formulated by the entrepreneur development and cooperatives ministry to empower these communities.
“However, a comprehensive policy on paper must be matched by swift action on the ground to ensure its benefits reach the intended groups,” he said.
He emphasised that the entrepreneur development and cooperatives ministry plays a key role as the lead agency in translating government policies and initiatives into tangible support for hawkers and small traders to thrive.
Among the key initiatives, he said, is a programme which aims to expand digital access and accelerate the adoption of cashless transactions among small traders.
“This programme goes beyond providing financial support; it also fosters a conducive and competitive business environment,” he said, adding that initiatives to empower hawkers and small traders have been strengthened under the 2026 budget, which emphasises funding support, financial assistance, and incentives to help them expand into international markets.
Anwar said this focus underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring small traders remain competitive, improve their livelihoods, and continue to be vital contributors to the nation’s economic growth. - FMT

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