THE term of free licences under the Free Trading Area Programme of the Federal Territories Ministry, which is scheduled to expire on July 31, has been extended until the end of the year.

Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa said the decision is to ease the burden of more than 4,500 registered traders under the scheme and to facilitate the group in making their business plans as the country is still facing Covid-19 with the movement control order in force.

“The permits will not expire next month and can be renewed automatically, but they must key in the data online for us extend them automatically,” he said via a live post on his Facebook after viewing the operations of traders in the federal capital today.

“They will not be imposed any charges. They can continue trading under this programme until the end of the year.”

Annuar also urged customers to cooperate to ensure adequate gaps between the stalls.

He said more than 2,000 traders who have yet to obtain a permit under the scheme, for not meeting the criteria, such as selecting a suitable spot, to quickly register.

“I have also told the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to check to ensure the positions of the stalls are not too close to one another in keeping with the standard operating procedure set,” he said.

The programme was introduced last November 15 to enable the public in the three federal territories to open stalls or trade in suitable areas free of charge.

Annuar also announced a 50% discount to more than 5,000 traders renting premises managed by DBKL, Putrajaya Corporation and Labuan Corporation, and free licence for traders under the Urban Youth Entrepreneurship programme until the end of the year.

He reminded traders who have high risk of being infected with Covid-19 to register and obtain their vaccination through the mobile programme, which will be sent to more areas. – Bernama, June 9, 2021.