SOME 11,200 registered hawkers and traders in Penang can have something to cheer about after the state government, through both its local councils, are giving three months’ exemption for rental and licence fees from October to December this year.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said such initiative includes exemption of rental payment for commercial and business premises under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) jurisdiction and also the exemption of licence fee for hawkers and traders.
“This will benefit some of the licenced hawkers and traders throughout Penang.
“This initiative has been approved yesterday (Sept 15) during the state executive council meeting and it will cost RM5.12 million to both local councils.
“This shows the state government’s commitment to assisting the registered hawkers and traders, especially during these trying times in view of the Covid-19 situation,” Jagdeep told a press conference during his visit to the Tanjung Bungah food and market complex today.
Also present was MBPP secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Razali.
Jagdeep also reminded Penangites to always adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19 as the cases are still high in the state.
“For those who have yet to get their vaccine, please do so immediately through our walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPVs),” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting