The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) has introduced a range of initiatives to assist small traders, including the use of TikTok Studio live-streaming sessions to help them promote and market their products more effectively.
Deputy Minister Dato’ Sri R. Ramanan said KUSKOP also offers guidance programmes through the National Entrepreneurship Institute and organizes initiatives such as the Hawkers and Small Traders Day to support entrepreneurs.
He explained that through business matching under the One District One Industry Programme, entrepreneurs are able to build connections with buyers, distributors, marketing agents, stockists, importers, and supermarkets. He made the remarks during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
He was replying to a query from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN–Kuala Krai) regarding the ministry’s measures to address complaints from small traders who said their sales were impacted by the SARA and Jualan Rahmah initiatives, which provide goods at significantly lower prices.
YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan noted that KUSKOP recognizes the concerns raised by small traders but emphasized that the initiatives are aligned with the Malaysia MADANI agenda, which places the people’s well-being at the forefront in tackling the rising cost of living.
He stressed that a balanced approach is necessary to safeguard the needs of the lower-income group while also ensuring the survival of small traders, who form the backbone of the local economy.
As Malaysia continues to navigate the challenges of rising living costs, KUSKOP’s efforts reflect the government’s commitment to balancing social welfare with economic sustainability. By equipping small traders with training, digital tools, and networking opportunities, the ministry not only supports local entrepreneurs but also creates avenues for regional cooperation, where Indian small traders and others can benefit through cross-border business matching and partnerships. Under the Malaysia MADANI framework, these initiatives aim to build a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Source: Bernama
