Urgent Call for Support to Small Businesses Affected by Asean Summit
Petalings Jaya has become the center of attention as a prominent leader from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has made a compelling appeal to the government. The call is for a one-time cash aid of RM5,000 to be given to petty traders in Kuala Lumpur who faced significant challenges due to road closures and traffic diversions during the recent Asean Summit.
Ben Fong, the KL DAP treasurer, highlighted that many small traders and eateries reported a 25% decrease in business during the summit. This drop was largely attributed to the restrictions on commuters entering the city center caused by the road closures and traffic diversions.
Fong further explained that the situation was exacerbated by the fact that many office workers were allowed to work from home during this period. This led to a further decline in customer numbers for these businesses. In a statement, he proposed that the RM5,000 assistance should be offered specifically to retail outlets with an annual revenue of RM500,000 or less. He noted that larger businesses are typically better equipped to handle such disruptions.
"Small businesses such as coffee shops, convenience stores, and eateries that rely heavily on walk-in customers and tourists were among the hardest hit," Fong stated. "While the amount may not fully offset their earnings shortfall, it would be a meaningful gesture of goodwill to small business owners who form the backbone of our city’s economy."
Fong also pointed out that there have been other instances of road closures in the past year due to different Asean summits, which similarly affected these small businesses. He argued that providing a token RM5,000 compensation for these businesses would not be a significant financial burden for the government when compared to the economic benefits generated from the Asean Summit and related events.
He emphasized that the Inland Revenue Board should not face any difficulties in identifying eligible recipients since it already maintains records of small businesses. This suggests that the process could be streamlined, making it easier for the intended beneficiaries to receive the support they need.
Key Points of the Proposal
- The proposal includes a one-time RM5,000 cash aid for small businesses affected by road closures and traffic diversions.
- The focus is on businesses with an annual revenue of RM500,000 or less, as they are more vulnerable to such disruptions.
- The impact of the Asean Summit on small businesses has been significant, with many reporting a substantial drop in sales.
- The Inland Revenue Board is well-positioned to identify eligible recipients, ensuring that the aid reaches those in need efficiently.
- The government is urged to consider this gesture of goodwill as a way to support the local economy and acknowledge the contributions of small business owners.
Conclusion
The call for support highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by small businesses during large-scale events. By offering targeted assistance, the government can demonstrate its commitment to supporting the backbone of the economy. It is hoped that this proposal will be taken seriously and that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure that small businesses receive the help they need.