2023 Hawkers and Petty Traders Day to be held in Sabah - Ewon

23 December 2022

By Wartawan Nabalu News

PUTRAJAYA: The 2023 Hawkers and Petty Traders Day (HPPK) will be held in Sabah, said Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.

He said the event which is held annually aims to give appreciation to hawkers and petty traders for their contribution towards the national economy.

“The government has declared Nov 18 every year for the HPPK programme … but the organisation this year was slightly delayed to make way to the 15th General Election (GE15) and the formation of the new cabinet,” he said.

He was speaking at the 2022 HPPK Convention at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here yesterday. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Ewon, the theme “Unity of Hawkers and Petty Traders Generate National Economy” is very significant and timely considering the unity of the hawkers and petty traders community as the main pillar in moving the country’s domestic economy.

“The 2022 HPKK this time was carried out with the convention concept that brought together 2,500 hawkers and petty traders as well as various other parties.

“Throughout the convention, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (Kuskop) also provides expos and exhibitions so that hawkers and petty traders can obtain business information, financing and marketing opportunities and various other things offered by the Ministry or related agency,” he said.

Ewon also added that the Unity Government is committed to always assist the hawkers and petty traders so that they can be among the main contributors to the stability in the national economy.

He mentioned that the Covid-19 pandemic as well as natural disasters such as floods have greatly affected the group.

He said a study showed that 57.1 per cent of businesses operated in urban areas had to close down during the pandemic with 91.8 per cent of them owned by the Bumiputeras.

“We found that 97 per cent of these entrepreneurs have stated their desire to revive their businesses which requires the government’s assistance in terms of grant, funding as well as training and coaching,” he added, also expressing hope that the 2022 HPPK can benefit all hawkers and petty traders.