HAWKERS and traders are important stakeholders in ensuring the policies of the local authority reach the community, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The hawkers and traders, he said, are the closest to the local community.
“So, any policy that is implemented without the support of these important stakeholders, will be doomed to fail.
“So, that is the approach that we (the state government) want to implement in Penang; that is, before the councils (Penang Island City Council or Seberang Perai City Council) make any change or even improvement, if it is not well explained, it can become a ‘different’ matter,” he said at MBPP Hawkers and Traders Day Celebration 2022 at the Batu Lancang Hawker Centre car park today.
The celebration was put on hold in the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chow continued: “During this phase of transition to the endemic stage, we cannot deny the role and contribution played by the hawker industry and the traders’ community in developing and empowering the socio-economic state and the country as a whole.
“Although many are affected by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, this epidemic has actually changed the landscape and patterns of hawkers and the traders’ community to a level beyond our expectations where the use of technology and digitisation has grown rapidly, including cashless payment options.
“Whether we like it or not, this adaptation to digital technology needs to be accepted with an open heart. Therefore, I call on all of you to be aware and explore and seize this opportunity to advance your respective businesses.”
Chow also praised the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for reviving the event after a two-year lapse.
“The celebration has been held since 1996 and it is celebrated every year by the Penang Island City Council. Only MBPP still continues the tradition of this celebration in Malaysia as an appreciation to the hawkers and traders’ community in Penang.
“I would also like to congratulate all the 30 hawkers and traders on their success in various categories.
“I hope this success will boost morale and sustain performance in the future,” he added.
Chow was warmly welcomed by MBPP secretary Datuk A. Rajendran, MBPP councillor Wong Yuee Harn, who is also the organising chairman, several MBPP councillors including alternate chairman for public health standing committee Nicholas Theng, MBPP public education committee chairlady Connie Tan, department heads and representatives of various agencies when he arrived.
Rajendran said the council has carried out inspections and grading of food premises and hawker stalls in MBPP complexes as cleanliness and food safety are very important.
Based on their findings, 31% of markets and food complexes have achieved Grades A and B.
For food premises, a total of 95.8% have achieved Grades A and B based on the target set by the council which is 80%.
He said the council was also actively trying to provide guidance to traders of Grade C premises (4.2%) to improve the level of cleanliness and other aspects of environmental health.
“With this benchmark, Penang will continue to be a tourist destination for local and foreign visitors. This increase in the number of tourists can contribute to the income of hawkers and traders through their spending.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, the council has initiated several initiatives to stimulate the economy of local hawkers and traders, including cashless, JBO (Jom Beli Online) and Business From Home. These efforts have drawn positive reactions from the traders and the public.
“In addition, with the development of smartphone technology and applications, the council assisted hawkers and traders to increase their sales through facilities, such as GrabFood, foodpanda and DeliverEat.
“The council is also working towards a smart city goal, through cashless transactions. It has been working with Bank Negara Malaysia since April 2020 and based on the records, a total of 725,622 cashless transactions amounting to an equivalent of RM10.141 million took place,” Rajendran said.
He added that as the council is trying to make the city a low-carbon city, the role of the hawkers and traders is important in the implementation of ‘No Single Use Plastic.’
“Several series of campaigns and information have been carried out by MBPP as an effort to reduce plastic waste. As a result of this initiative, increased awareness and sensitivity among traders and hawkers can be seen.
“I hope we will all join hands in building a cleaner, greener, healthier and safer Penang,” he said.
Wong said it was the first time MBPP held the celebration at the Batu Lancang hawker complex.
“We want to do it every year as an appreciation to all traders and hawkers who play their role in ensuring cleanliness within eateries in line with the Penang2030 vision.
“We’ve noticed that they have made efforts to maintain the cleanliness of their premises and food safety through our inspections.
“We hope that every year, the hawkers and traders will improve their performance so that they could be the prize winners,” Wong said.
At the celebration, 30 hawkers and traders received their respective awards from Chow.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud