KUANTAN: Bringing a breath of fresh air for petty traders and improving existing small-scale business premises will be high on the priority list for Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Indera Mahkota parliamentary seat, Datuk Dr Johan Mat Sah.
He said refurbishing existing business premises, including food courts and night markets and preparing strategic areas here will certainly spur more people to venture into business.
The Indera Mahkota Umno division Welfare, Health and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) bureau chairman said a modern and new look for business premises, catering to current needs and demands will certainly become an attraction and encourage more youths to get involved in small scale businesses.
“During my visits to night markets and food courts, I noticed that most premises were run-down, so it’s time we introduced some improvements, along with some modern touches which will attract aspiring entrepreneurs and customers. We are aware that small scale business entrepreneurs can go big if they operate in a conducive environment.
“My aim is to help small scale traders and if elected, issues concerning them will be raised in parliament as we realise the opposition often speaks on national issues but very little focus is given to local matters. Providing small businesses with suitable areas to do business and giving existing areas an upgrade, will certainly help boost business,” he said.
Dr Johan, popularly known as the ‘people’s doctor’ by residents of Indera Mahkota, said engagement sessions will be held with traders to hear their expectations and to understand what can be done to improve the livelihood of small-scale business operators.
“We also want to hear from youths about the types of business or concepts which they think are suitable. This is to create an ideal business platform where more youths will come forward to try their hand at business and give existing premises a modern touch, which will certainly bring positive energy.
“If your notice, some food courts and business areas in Indera Mahkota have been around for quite a long time, and are exposed to flash floods and a poor drainage system, while parking is cramped and there is also a shortage of parking areas. We want to inject changes... maybe build a double-storey business complex, which would allow small-scale traders to market their products and do business conveniently,” he said.
He said supporting the micro-business industry is important as it has a high impact on the country’s economy and more youths are venturing into business.
“We want to have suitable and proper platforms for people to do business. We will look into ways to bring changes to existing business premises like those operating in morning or night markets... all these will be raised in parliament,” he said.
Dr Johan, who has been extensively going to the ground to meet constituents over the last three years, said the promise to help micro-business entrepreneurs is among the pledges he made in his manifesto for the parliamentary constituency and it will boost economic development and safeguard the interests of traders more effectively.
“We have to move in line with transformation and cannot continue to depend on ageing premises and old methods. Changes would certainly help uplift small-scale traders and also spur more youths to earn a living by doing business... they can start small but must always remain hungry for success,” he said.
