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A DAP leader has urged the government to consider offering a one-off RM5,000 assistance to retail outlets in Kuala Lumpur with an annual turnover of RM500,000 or less to help them recover from losses following the recent 47th ASEAN Summit road closures and traffic disruptions.
DAP Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur treasurer Ben Fong Kok Seng said while the amount may not fully offset their earnings shortfall, it would be a meaningful gesture of goodwill to small business owners who form the backbone of the city’s economy.
“Over the past week or so, many small traders and F&B outlets in Kuala Lumpur, especially in Bukit Bintang, have told me how badly their businesses were affected by the road closures and traffic diversions during the 47th ASEAN Summit,” he stated.
“Based on my observation and feedback from traders, business dropped by around 25% during the period. Coffee shops, convenience stores and small eateries that rely heavily on walk-in customers and tourists were among the hardest hit.
“In this respect, I urge the government to consider offering a one-off RM5,000 assistance to retail outlets with an annual turnover of RM500,000 or less to help them recover from these losses.”
Fong said while the amount may not fully offset their earnings shortfall, it would be a meaningful gesture of goodwill to small business owners who form the backbone of the city’s economy.
Larger establishments and non-retail businesses which are not reliant on foot traffic can generally absorb the impact.
“My team and I visited several affected outlets to better understand their challenges. Traders told us that customer numbers fell sharply as tourists avoided the area due to the traffic diversions and road closures. Many office workers also worked from home during this period,” he said.
“This was not the first time the small traders have faced such difficulties. In May this year, major roads in and around Kuala Lumpur were also closed or diverted for six days during the 46th ASEAN Summit, followed by further disruptions, including in July for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
“I fully understand the need for temporary road closures and traffic diversions during large international gatherings. These events raise Malaysia’s profile and bring long-term economic benefits through hospitality, transport and tourism spending. However, small traders who bear the brunt of short-term disruptions deserve some recognition and support.”
Fong further remarked that providing a token compensation would not cost the government much compared with the wider economic spillovers the ASEAN Summit and related events have already generated.
“The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) should have no difficulty identifying eligible recipients since it already maintains records of small businesses,” he added.
“The proposed RM500,000 eligibility threshold for the cash aid is also in line with LHDN’s exemption for businesses on compulsory e-invoicing for now.
“Extending a one-off RM5,000 payment to these outlets would demonstrate that the government values their resilience and recognises their role in keeping the city vibrant, even in the face of repeated disruptions beyond their control.” ‒ Oct 30, 2025
Main image: Bernama
The post “Provide RM5,000 cash assistance to KL small traders affected by ASEAN Summit traffic disruptions” first appeared on Focus Malaysia.
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