Consider This: Hawker Economy (Part 1) — Small Traders, Big Impact

Hawkers have long been an essential part of Malaysia’s street food culture and informal economy. But they’re facing mounting challenges—from rising costs, to a lack of successors. A new discussion paper by Khazanah Research Institute examines the historical evolution of these small-scale traders, and the policy gaps that leave them vulnerable. How can Malaysia better support its hawker economy? Should the government take a more active role in preserving and formalising this industry? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Mohd Amirul Rafiq Abu Rahim, Senior Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute and lead author of ‘Hawkers and Hawking Space in Malaysia: A Case Study’.