Perak Hawkers Association Urges Ipoh Authorities to Upgrade Food Courts

The Perak Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association is calling on local authorities in Ipoh to upgrade several key food court facilities in the city. The association, which represents over 1,000 active traders in the Kinta district and has more than 10,000 members statewide, is specifically urging upgrades to the Ipoh Central Market, Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar food courts, and Tasek food courts.

Zahari Abd Murad, the president of the Perak Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association, suggested that representatives from trader associations be invited to provide their input and views on the construction or upgrades of such facilities. "We hope the local authorities can invite us to give our views before they build or upgrade facilities for traders," said Zahari.

In addition to advocating for facility upgrades, the association also assists its members in obtaining grants or loans from agencies such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun), and banks. The association holds engagement sessions with government agencies and financial institutions to keep its members informed about available financial assistance and support.

Why this matters: The upgrades to these popular food courts in Ipoh would benefit a large number of hawkers and petty traders, improving their working conditions and potentially attracting more customers. The inclusion of trader association representatives in the planning process ensures that the needs and concerns of the traders are taken into account.

The Perak Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association remains committed to supporting its members and working with local authorities to enhance the facilities and infrastructure for hawkers and petty traders in Ipoh and throughout the state of Perak. The association's efforts aim to create a more conducive environment for these small businesses to thrive and continue serving the local community.

Key Takeaways

• Perak Malay Hawkers Association calls for upgrades to Ipoh food courts.
• Association represents over 1,000 traders in Kinta district, 10,000 statewide.
• Seeks trader input on construction/upgrades to ensure their needs are met.
• Association assists members in obtaining grants, loans from agencies like Mara, Tekun.
• Upgrades aim to improve working conditions, attract more customers for hawkers.