Negeri Sembilan will waive hawker licence fees, including for food truck operators, for one year from Jan 1, 2027, to ease cost pressures on small traders, Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim said.
The measure is expected to benefit 7,386 hawkers statewide, based on this year’s records.
Of the total, 3,684 hawkers are registered under the Seremban City Council, followed by Port Dickson Municipal Council (1,355), Tampin District Council (639), Kuala Pilah District Council (610), Rembau District Council (478), Jempol Municipal Council (459) and Jelebu District Council (161).
Ismail said the waiver would have a significant financial impact on local authorities, but the state decided to proceed given rising fuel costs and other pressures faced by small traders.
Hawker licence fees vary by local authority, with rates including RM150 in Kuala Pilah and RM180 in Tampin.
The exemption applies only to the licence fee. Traders must continue paying other applicable charges, including cleanliness fees.
Ismail stressed that the waiver does not exempt traders from complying with local authority regulations, including requirements to keep business areas clean and avoid obstructing roads or pedestrian walkways.
Enforcement action will continue to be taken against traders who breach the rules, he added.
