Local government and public transport committee chairman Ng Sze Han said this was aimed at reducing the people’s financial burdens, in view of inflation and the hike in the overnight policy rate (OPR).

“This is the eighth year of these waivers, after these exemptions were first implemented in 2016,” he said in a statement.

Ng said this move will cost the state up to RM68.74 million, but reiterated that the state government was committed to helping the people get through trying times.

In May, FMT reported that hawkers had complained that they had no choice but to suffer lower profits because of higher costs, for fear that any increase in the prices of their dishes will cause them to lose customers.

Last week, Bank Negara Malaysia raised the OPR by 25 basis points to 2.5%, the third consecutive increase.