Over 20,000 hawkers went digital with the help of S’gor govt

Platform Selangor (PLATS) – a government initiative to help Selangor micro business owners navigate the modern digital economy – has seen more than 20,000 registered users.

“We take pride in these statistics because it proves that we are helping these individuals to continuously grow towards the era of digitalisation. It is also evident that we are helping them build their online profiles which is ultimately a beneficial initiative,” – Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) chief executive officer, Y.M. Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar bin Raja Salim

In 2021, the Selangor government approved 7,742 merchants’ registration on PLATS’ website, with a further 12,585 approvals given in 2022. That marked a 61.8% increase in vendors who had undergone training hosted by PLATS.

Business owners have found success after PLATS training

The PLATS initiative, which was kickstarted by Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB) and Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), has training sessions that teach micro businesses owners and hawkers social media account management, basic editing of social media posts, management process of online orders, and the adoption of cashless transactions, among other skills.

PLATS has so far provided 133 students, fresh graduates and freelancers job opportunities at Rakan Digital Selangor (RDS). The RDS team is tasked to go on the ground to train all local merchants and hawkers on how to register their businesses on the PLATS website. In addition to that, PLATS also conducted over 50 programs such as on the ground training for vendors in partnership with all 12 local authorities in Selangor.

Chicki Mart Food Truck owner, Muhd Khairzman, praised PLATS for helping to boost his company’s business:

“Many customers have approached me to ask about the products that we have for sale. Alhamdullilah, my business has grown and we have welcomed many new customers across the nation including those from Seri Kembangan, Klang and Negeri Sembilan. Chicki Mart has also become a supplier for chicken snacks for schools in the Selangor area,” – Muhd Khairzman, micro businessman

Fatinnur Ain Zulkifli, another micro business owner, echoed similar sentiments:

“Alhamdulillah, after the PLATS Carnival last year, many customers have made aware of my business which mostly are from the Selangor area. The sales that I am achieving now have increased to 10-15% from the carnival itself. I wish to express my gratitude to PLATS for giving me and other merchants this golden opportunity.” – Fatinnur Ain Zulkifli, owner of Aten’s Kitchen

Pursuant to these successes, PNSB’s CEO says PLATS is determined to continue with the training programme, and raise up Selangor businesses in the e-commerce arena.

PLATS will set up a digital directory for Ramadan bazaar traders

In an effort to help reduce crowding issues and help traders expand their businesses, PLATS and Selangor’s 12 local governments will be setting up a digital directory that lists all the Radaman bazaar traders in one page. 14,430 spaces will be allocated on the directory, and each listing will have a WhatsApp link for users to connect directly with the hawkers to pre-order their food selection without having to wait or queue.