KPKT urges local councils to cut small traders' rents, commends DBKL’s reductions up to 50%

PETALING JAYA (May 14): The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has urged all local authorities (PBTs) nationwide to consider reducing rental rates for business premises, stalls and food courts under their purview until end-2026, as part of efforts to ease the rising cost burden on hawkers and small traders.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pictured) said the recommendation follows a proposal by the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) for PBTs to offer appropriate rental incentives as an immediate measure to assist traders operating in council-owned or council-managed premises.

"This strategic measure aims to ease the operating cost burden borne by local hawkers and small traders, while at the same time catalysing grassroots-level economic growth," he said in a statement yesterday.

Nga added that the initiative would help ensure business continuity, preserve employment opportunities and stabilise prices of goods and services for consumers.

KPKT commended several PBTs that have already acted, singling out Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which announced rental reductions of up to 50% for selected premises and stalls under its purview.

The ministry said the rental relief measure complements broader government assistance programmes including the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), and BUDI MADANI initiatives — BUDI Diesel and BUDI95 — aimed at channelling targeted subsidies to those most in need.

KPKT said it will continue working closely with all local authorities to determine appropriate implementation methods based on their respective financial capacities and local conditions.

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