Perak MCA calls for audit of MyKiosk initiative

The Star

22-05-2025

PUTRAJAYA: The National Audit Department should conduct audits of the MyKiosk initiative, says Perak MCA.
Its public complaints bureau chief Chung Kok Heung, together with his colleagues, Batu Gajah MCA Youth chief Dawson Lam, who is also the national MCA Youth housing and local government ministry monitoring bureau deputy chief, and Perak MCA publicity bureau committee member Tang Cheong Hoong were present at the department's office to submit a letter calling for an investigation.
"There is a need for clarity regarding transparency issues in implementing MyKiosk policies.
"Despite the minister's claims of tenders and bidding processes, some local councils did not follow these procedures.
"We are not alleging misconduct but we urge a thorough audit to address these doubts," he said when met here on Thursday (May 22).
Chung questioned the lack of transparency, the policy implementation and what seems to be a hasty implementation of MyKiosk.
Additionally, he said the ministry has not disclosed the initiative's usage statistics. While the first phase reportedly achieved 80% usage, he said the second phase's specific figures remain unclear.
He also raised concerns about a main supplier allegedly responsible for over 200 kiosks.
"We hope the minister and the National Audit Department can address these concerns," he added.
When asked, Chung said under the Ipoh City Council (MBI), MyKiosk locations are at Jalan Jumbo Jet near the airport, Station 18 and Meru.
"While the facilities on Jalan Jumbo Jet are well-planned, they remain underutilised. Station 18's kiosks are not operational due to contractor issues and at Meru, only a few stalls operate during evening hours," he said.
Chung noted that MCA has also established a MyKiosk public campaign network on Facebook.
"It invites citizens to share updates, videos and photos, as a community oversight,' he added.
Chung said that while MCA supports government initiatives like MyKiosk, they advocate for transparent and inclusive implementation that benefits all, not just specific groups.
On Wednesday (May 21), MCA Youth lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over the MyKiosk 2.0 project, calling for public concerns surrounding the project to be addressed by the government.
The MyKiosk 2.0 initiative, initially launched to provide street vendors with suitable trading spaces, has faced criticism due to its costs compared to market alternatives.
Concerns about the project's effectiveness have also been raised, with reports indicating that many kiosks remain unused due to impractical locations and inadequate facilities.