HPPK held to appreciate contribution of MSMEs

7 December 2023

By Nabalu News Journalist

PENAMPANG: The celebration for hawkers and small traders being held every year is a manifestation of MADANI Government's commitment and appreciation for the contributions of the hawker and small trader community in the context of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to the economy and GDP of the country.

Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC) Datuk Ewon Benedick said the organisation of HPPK2023 not only serves as a platform for the hawker community to enhance their business activities, but also provides an opportunity for visitors to obtain the latest information from various agencies and government departments, especially those related to financing and entrepreneurship training provided by agencies under the Ministry.

Speaking during the launching of the National Hawker and Small Trader Carnival 2023 (HPPK) at Buhavan Square Penampang, he said the event is in the form of a sales carnival, with more than 300 small entrepreneurs participating, including food truck operators and small guest traders.

"In our efforts to embrace the pulse and vitality of the hawker community, we need to appear together with them many times in the places where they sell to earn a living, including community markets and traditional markets, so that we can understand and appreciate their struggles," he said.

He said he understood their struggles as his mother used to sell goods in the market when he was a child.

"I truly understand the issues, challenges, and hopes of the hawker and small trader community. Who else would understand better than those of us who have been together in this community? This is my struggle to uplift the dignity of this community as long as the Prime Minister entrusts me with this responsibility in this Ministry," he shared.

"As policy makers and implementers, I sincerely hope that we can facilitate every aspect of their affairs, guiding them until completion, to facilitate and not frustrate," he said adding that is the reason why MEDC established the District-level Council for Entrepreneur, Cooperative, Hawker, and Small Trader Development (MPUKPPKPD) this year as one of the initiatives to simplify matters related to hawkers and small traders.

The Carnival was launched by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor.