KUCHING: Hawkers and petty traders will receive RM750 via Sarawak Pay in April or May this year.
The payment is the first phase of distribution of RM1,500 special grant to hawkers and petty traders as listed under the state government’s Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on April 10.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the second phase of the distribution will involve another payment of RM750 in June or July.
“For those who do not have any SarawakPay account, they will be paid in cash through the nearest Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) by May for the first phase and July for the second phase,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that stall trading inside coffee shops are eligible to be registered but with the necessary documentations.
“This assistance also extends to those petty traders, hawkers and eatery food stalls who do not have the licences or permits. To qualify for this BKSS, they have to register and obtain permits from the respective council by applying online or over the counter.
“The due date for the application will be on May 31 and the permit will be valid until Sept 30.
“The payment of BKSS under this category will be made in June or July through SarawakPay account or by cash through BSN,” he added.
Dr Sim also said that the state government will waive monthly permits of RM30 fee for six months.
The criteria to qualify for BKSS to unlicensed hawkers, petty traders and eatery food stalls are as follows:
- Traders must be a Sarawakian residing and trading in Sarawak.
- Age must be 18 years and above.
- Trader must be a genuine trader who personally traded or operated a stall, kiosk, roadside stall etc. before April 1.
- Stalls trading inside coffee-shops are eligible to be registered but with the necessary documentation showing applicant personally traded.
- Online business is not included.
- Trader must be registered with the local council and obtain a permit issued by the council.
- The last day for the application of the permit shall be May 31, 2020.
- The validity of the permit shall be until Sept 30, 2020.
- All information given by the trader must be accurate, truthful and factual. If any false or inaccurate information is given, the application will not be considered. In the case of permit already issued, council has the right to cancel the permit.
- The power and discretion to determine the qualification of a trader to be given a permit and incentive lies with the council. Decision made by the council is final and no appeal is allowed.
The BKSS is an initiative by the Sarawak government to assist and relief the hardship of petty traders and hawkers including food stalls in eateries throughout the state amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
