DAP leader urges RM5k aid for small traders hit by Asean Summit disruptions

Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur DAP treasurer Ben Fong has urged the government to provide a one-off RM5,000 compensation to small traders and food and beverage operators affected by disruptions during the recent Asean Summit.

Fong said many business owners - especially those operating in Bukit Bintang - had complained that their revenues plunged due to road closures and traffic diversions throughout the event.

“Based on my observation and feedback from traders, business dropped by around 25 percent during the period. Coffee shops, convenience stores and small eateries that rely heavily on walk-in customers and tourists were among the hardest hit.

“In this respect, I urge the government to consider offering a one-off RM5,000 assistance to retail outlets with an annual turnover of RM500,000 or less to help them recover from these losses,” he said.

Meaningful gesture

Fong noted that while the proposed amount might not make up for their shortfall, it would be a meaningful gesture of goodwill towards small business owners who form the backbone of Kuala Lumpur’s economy.

“My team and I visited several affected outlets to better understand their challenges. Traders told us that customer numbers fell sharply as tourists avoided the area due to the traffic diversions and road closures. Many office workers also worked from home during this period.

“This was not the first time the small traders have faced such difficulties. In May this year, major roads in and around Kuala Lumpur were also closed or diverted for six days during the 46th Asean Summit, followed by further disruptions, including in July for the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting,” he added.

While such international events enhance Malaysia’s image and deliver long-term economic benefits through tourism, transport and hospitality, Fong said small traders bear the brunt of the short-term pain and deserve recognition and support.

IRB can identify those eligible

He stressed that offering a token compensation would cost the government little compared to the wider economic spillovers the Asean Summit and related events have already generated.

“The Inland Revenue Board (IRC) should have no difficulty identifying eligible recipients since it already maintains records of small businesses.

“The proposed RM500,000 eligibility threshold for the cash aid is also in line with IRB’s exemption for businesses on compulsory e-invoicing for now.

“Extending a one-off RM5,000 payment to these outlets would demonstrate that the government values their resilience and recognises their role in keeping the city vibrant, even in the face of repeated disruptions beyond their control,” he said.

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