MEDC to implement Village Market Project

8 December 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

PENAMPANG: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) will implement the Village Market Project with an allocation of RM20 million in the 2024 Budget, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

HE said it's Minister Datuk. Ewon Benedick, will have the RM20 million fund to manage.

"Out of the RM20 million, RM1 million will be allocated for the management and development of hawkers and small traders (National Federation of Hawkers and Small Traders)," he said.

He said this in his speech at the inauguration of the National Level Hawkers and Small Traders Carnival (HPPK) 2023 at Buhavan Square, here, today.

Anwar also expressed appreciation to the hawker and small trader community for their support and contributions to the growth of the country's economy.

He highlighted the need to develop clean and beautiful stalls and shops, which would be an effective attraction for visitors and tourists in the respective area.

In this respect, the Prime Minister has requested Local Authorities throughout the country to realise this effort because a majority of the people or customers still prefer such locations over luxury restaurants.

"There must be determination from all parties to ensure that our country is known for clean stalls, shops, and restaurants as landmarks, not just skyscrapers or five-star hotels alone.

"In addition, we should also focus on the beauty of park landscapes in every city and preserve buildings with historical value in our nation's heritage city development."

"This step is crucial in preserving the historical value in every large-scale project to be undertaken, as well as ensuring that development plans are well-planned to ensure the well-being of the people," he said.

Meanwhile, in a media briefing after the ceremony, Ewon expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the commitment and approval of his ministry's implementation of the Village Market Project as presented in the 2024 Budget.

"Thus, the ministry can complement the efforts to provide entrepreneurial stalls for hawkers and small traders in rural areas.

RM1 million of the application will be channeled towards the management and development of the National Federation of Hawkers and Small Traders.

"This is a very positive announcement and we in the ministry will continue to be committed to further empowering services to the hawker and small trader community throughout the country," he said.

Earlier in his speech, Ewon stated that the Prime Minister's commitment to fighting for the fate of the hawker and small trader community was evident through a large allocation to provide hawker stalls implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

"However, the hawker and small trader community in rural areas also require the same advocacy. They sell at traditional markets, weekly markets, and roadside stalls that undoubtedly require better stall and village market facilities.

"That is whY we in MEDC have proposed the Village Market Project to the Ministry of Finance during the budget preparation engagement session so that the provision and upgrading of entrepreneurial stall facilities can be provided in the 2024 Budget.

"On behalf of the hawker and small trader community, I express my highest appreciation and gratitude to the Right Honourable Datuk Seri for approving an allocation of RM20 million in the 2024 Budget," he said.