Hannah Yeoh: DBKL Cuts Hawker Site Rentals by 50% to Ease Cost Pressures Amid High Living Costs

The initiative is expected to benefit more than 10,000 hawker stalls and small business premises across the capital. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the move aims to ease the financial burden on small traders who have been grappling with rising operating costs.

“This initiative makes DBKL one of the first local authorities in Malaysia to implement a large-scale rental reduction to support small traders and urban residents facing cost-of-living challenges,” she said at a press conference today (14 March).

Hannah added that the rental reduction could also benefit consumers in the capital, as traders may be able to maintain affordable prices for food and daily necessities.

“I hope hawkers will welcome this initiative. Those with outstanding rental payments should take this opportunity to settle their arrears promptly, as there is strong demand for these business spaces,” she said.

In a Facebook post today, DBKL explained that the rental cut would be applied as a blanket 50 per cent reduction across eligible premises.

However, the minimum monthly rental rate will be set at RM50

“For premises currently paying RM50 or less per month, the existing rental rate will remain unchanged and will not be reduced further,” it said.

Tenants must clear any existing rental arrears before qualifying for the incentive.

DBKL said it will continue to monitor the cost-of-living situation and take proactive steps to ensure Kuala Lumpur remains an inclusive and resilient city that prioritises the welfare of its residents.