643 roadside traders in Sabah to receive RM5,000 aid

Deputy Chief Minister and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (centre) poses for a photo with some of the RM5,000 one-off aid recipients in Ranau on Monday (May 8).
KOTA KINABALU: A one-off RM5,000 assistance will be channelled to 643 eligible roadside traders across Sabah under the 2025 Sabah state Budget, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said the list of recipients was finalised following a thorough verification process by a special committee comprising the state Local Government and Housing Ministry (KKTP), state Finance Ministry, and all local authorities.
'Ground-level surveys were conducted in every district to gather data on roadside traders. Based on the established criteria, 643 individuals have been identified as eligible for this assistance,' said Dr Gunsalam, who is also the state Local Government and Housing Minister.
Of this total, 47 recipients from Ranau received their aid during the state-level kick-off of the UNTUKMU (Upgrading Assistance for the Community and General Public) programme held at Pentas Budaya Kundasang on Thursday (May 8).
He said the initiative reflects the state government's concern for small traders, many of whom face challenges such as rising operating costs, limited capital, and unstable business locations.
'Small traders are key drivers of the microeconomy, providing essential services to local communities. I hope this assistance helps them purchase equipment, boost capital, or grow their businesses,' he added.
Also present were KKTP Deputy Permanent Secretary II Faridah Giau, Ranau district officer Tinus Manggam, Penampang Municipal Council president Francis Chong, and representatives of elected officials and community leaders.

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