Kuching: Bandar Kuching MP Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen has called on the Federal Government to speed up the registration process for Kedai MyKasih merchants, stressing that small traders and grocery store owners should not be left behind in benefiting from the initiative.
Dr. Kelvin Yii said many small business owners have voiced frustration over the slow approval process, which has hindered their participation in the MyKasih programme.
The delays, he added, have affected both business income and the convenience of consumers who rely on neighbourhood stores.
“Many traders have submitted their registration applications to the MyKasih Foundation as early as June this year, but have yet to receive any approval or updates.
“As a result, they have not been provided with the necessary point-of-sale (POS) terminals and barcode scanners, leaving them unable to accept payments from SARA recipients,” he said during his speech in Parliament yesterday.
Under the MyKasih programme, recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid can only make purchases at stores registered with the Kedai MyKasih system.
While the initiative aims to ensure that government aid directly benefits its intended recipients, Dr. Kelvin Yii pointed out that most of the approved merchants are large supermarket chains, leaving many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local grocery stores waiting for approval.
He revealed that some small traders have reported a drop in sales of up to 60% since the implementation of the MyKasih programme, which he warned could have wider negative impacts on the local economy.
Dr. Kelvin Yii also noted that the MyKasih Foundation is reportedly facing a shortage of POS equipment, further compounding the problem and causing inconvenience to consumers unable to use their SARA funds at smaller outlets.
He urged the government and the foundation to take immediate measures to speed up merchant registration and resolve the equipment shortage.
To ensure more inclusive participation, Dr. Kelvin Yii proposed that a special “Fast Track” channel be created for SMEs and small traders to simplify the registration process.
He also called for a stronger system support to make sure the initiative truly benefits grassroots communities and stimulates local economic activity.
“This initiative will not only allow more merchants to benefit but will also expand the usability of SARA assistance.
“It enables recipients to make purchases conveniently at nearby shops while boosting local economic growth,” he said.
Dr. Kelvin Yii reiterated his support for the government’s MyKasih initiative but urged for greater efficiency and inclusiveness in its implementation.
“We fully support the government’s efforts through the Kedai MyKasih programme to ensure that assistance reaches the right people.
“However, we also hope that the relevant departments can improve their service efficiency, shorten approval times, and provide greater support for local SMEs and small traders so that the programme can be more inclusive, efficient, and truly beneficial to all Malaysians,” he said.
