MACC begins probe into MyKiosk
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) senior director of investigation Datuk Zainul Darus said they launched a preliminary investigation into the matter following a complaint lodged by a political party.
'The Governance Investigation Division has also commenced a parallel investigation into the project.
'Apart from the ministry, which has submitted a full report on the tender process and award, several other parties have also provided documents related to the project,' he said in a statement yesterday.
Zainul said MACC's probe would focus on two key aspects, namely identifying any elements of corruption and spotting irregularities in the tender process.
'The investigation is being conducted under the provisions of the MACC Act 2009,' he added.
On May 21, MCA Youth lodged a report with MACC regarding the MyKiosk 2.0 project.
MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong said concerns arose over high material costs, claiming the costs were higher than outside.
He added that reports and feedback also indicated the kiosks were underutilised.
Meanwhile, the ministry has pledged to fully cooperate with MACC, affirming that no compromise will be made with any party found to be involved in corruption or abuse of power.
It said it had voluntarily handed over all documents related to the implementation of the MyKiosk initiative to MACC on May 22.
'We welcome MACC's investigation as a vital step in ensuring every government initiative is carried out with accountability, transparency and free from any element of corruption,' it said in a statement.
MyKiosk, one of the ministry's economic empowerment initiatives, aims to support small-scale traders through the provision of affordable kiosks nationwide.
According to the ministry, the ceiling cost for each MyKiosk 2.0 unit was set at RM25,000 by the Local Government Department.
'All procurement processes and contractor appointments under MyKiosk were carried out via open quotations by 133 local authorities (PBT) across the country.
'A total of 795 contractors have been appointed by the respective PBTs to undertake the supply and placement of the kiosks,' it added.
In a statement yesterday, MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong said the party welcomed MACC's investigation.
'This development affirms the legitimacy of the report lodged by MCA Youth and MCA Beliawanis with MACC on May 21, and underscores the seriousness of the concerns raised,' he said, adding that MACC's investigation was a clear validation that the concerns expressed by party were both credible and warranted.
'MCA Youth places its full trust in MACC to carry out this investigation with transparency, diligence and independence – free from political interference or bias.'
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