KUALA LUMPUR (May 14): Malaysia is urging its local authorities nationwide to consider lowering rental rates for business premises, stalls and food courts until the end of 2026 to help cut their costs.

The proposed initiative reflects the government’s proactive efforts in easing financial pressure on hawkers and small businesses, while preserving jobs and safeguarding community welfare, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said in a statement.

“By providing this rent reduction, we are not only helping the survival of small traders, but also helping to ensure the stability of goods and service prices for consumers,” he said.

The proposal dovetails with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call earlier this week to local authorities nationwide to reduce rental rates for hawkers and small traders following a National Economic Action Council meeting.

He had also ordered government-linked firms, agencies, state governments and local councils to slash rents for commercial premises they own beginning this month. The Kuala Lumpur City Hall recently announced rental reductions of up to 50% for selected premises and stalls under its management.

The housing ministry said it will continue working with local authorities to assess suitable implementation approaches based on its financial capacity and local requirements.

"This strategic move aims to ease the burden of operating costs borne by local hawkers and small traders, thus catalysing economic growth at the grassroots level," Nga added.

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