GEORGE TOWN: Traders and hawkers and open-air markets in Penang will be exempted from rent and permit fees until the end of the year to allow them to weather the effects of the pandemic.
Executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said the move will cost the state government RM5.1 million in absorbing costs from all operators on council-owned property on the island and Seberang Perai.
In a statement, he said it was vital for the estimated 11,000 hawkers and traders to remain afloat as the demand for food and other items remains high as most people are sheltered at home during the pandemic.
The waiver, to take effect from next month until the end of December, includes permit fee exemption for pasar malam, pasar pagi, pasar minggu and pasar tani.
Jagdeep said the allocation is part of the Penang government’s RM175 million economic stimulus, of which RM82 million is for the city councils.