Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) has announced a 50 percent reduction in rental rates for its hawker sites and selected premises to help small traders cope with rising living costs.
The initiative, introduced by the MADANI Government, is expected to benefit more than 10,000 hawker sites and small business premises under DBKL across Kuala Lumpur.
Support for small traders
The move comes as traders face increasing operational costs linked to global economic uncertainty, rising fuel prices, and higher logistics costs.
According to the announcement, DBKL is among the first local authorities in Malaysia to implement a large-scale rental reduction aimed at supporting micro traders and urban small businesses.
Minimum rental set at RM50
Under the initiative, rental rates will be reduced by 50 percent, with a minimum monthly rent of RM50.
For example:
- A rental of RM160 will be reduced to RM80.
- A rental of RM80 will be reduced to RM50 due to the minimum rate.
- Rentals of RM50 or below will remain unchanged.
Effective from April 2026
Tenants must settle any outstanding rental payments before they can qualify for the incentive.
The rental reduction will take effect from 1 April 2026 until 31 December 2027 as a temporary measure to help traders manage rising costs.
Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensure policies provide real relief to small businesses while allowing DBKL to continue delivering services to city residents.
