Nga demands apology over ‘white elephant' claims as MACC clears RM250m MyKiosk project
Nga said the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (KPKT) had taken proactive steps by inviting the MACC to investigate the project following various allegations labelling it a 'white elephant' and other claims of mismanagement.
'There were previously various allegations labelling this project a white elephant and so on. Because of that, the KPKT took the initiative to invite the MACC to investigate.
'When the MACC didn't come to us, we went to them and handed over all the documents for their review,' he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Nga said the MACC subsequently issued a statement confirming that there was no abuse of power, no criminal elements, and no signs of corruption related to the project.
'So to those who threw stones, don't hide your hands. On behalf of all the hardworking KPKT staff who have been tirelessly helping the people, I demand that those who made slanderous accusations apologise,' he said.
Nga added that the MyKiosk initiative, which aims to provide standardised, low-cost business premises for small traders, remains part of the government's agenda to support grassroots entrepreneurs.
In May, Parti Pribumi Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz claimed that the MyKiosk project was wasteful and had turned into a white elephant.
Selangor MCA Youth also lodged a complaint with the MACC, urging an investigation into the funding and implementation of the RM250 million MyKiosk project.
Its chief, Tan Jie Sen, claimed that despite the large allocation, just over half of the kiosks were occupied.
Nga said as of July 2025, the occupancy rate for MyKiosk stood at 2,926 units (91.75 per cent), while MyKiosk 2.0 recorded an occupancy of 3,518 units (86.78 per cent).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Nga: Anwar's fuel price cut proves promises kept
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of initiatives to ease the people's cost of living proves that the Madani government is fulfilling its promises, said Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming. He said the reduction of the RON95 fuel price to RM1.99 per litre makes it one of the lowest in the world. "This demonstrates his concern in addressing cost-of-living issues despite financial constraints. On behalf of 22,000 KPKT families, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the good news. Anwar said if he became Prime Minister, fuel prices would go down, and now, they will really go down. "Even with the current financial limitations, we've managed to reduce the fuel price, maintain toll rates, provide SARA (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah), and give various incentives," he said at a press conference after officiating the Asean Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025 and the International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (ARCHIDEX) 2025, here yesterday. Nga said the one-off RM100 aid under SARA for all Malaysians aged 18 and above also reflects the government's commitment to helping not only the B40 group but also the M40 group, which is often excluded from such aid. He said the RM2 billion allocation, benefiting 22 million Malaysians, is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy, while the postponement of toll rate hikes serves as an anti-inflationary measure. Nga emphasised that the Madani government will continue its nation-building efforts and urged all Malaysians to unite in helping the country rise again and gain global respect. "Sometimes in the government, we are required to make some unpopular, extremely difficult decisions as leaders who care about the next generation. "I expect more good news in 2026 Budget, which is scheduled to be tabled in October, so stay tuned," he said. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced several key initiatives as a gesture of appreciation from the Madani government to the people, including a one-off RM100 aid under the SARA programme, a freeze on toll hikes for 10 highways, and a targeted subsidy bringing the RON95 fuel price down to RM1.99 per litre. Meanwhile, Nga said the Madani government will continue with housing reforms through initiatives such as PR1MA, affordable housing, and low-cost homes. "You have to give us at least three terms to realise our vision. We're only halfway through the first term. If you give us a second and third term — 15 years — we will be able to deliver on our promises." - BERNAMA
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
E-hailing firms Maxim, inDrive granted 3-month probation
In May, Apad revoked inDrive Malaysia's operating licence after it reportedly failed to comply with regulations introduced by the agency in 2019. (inDrive pic) PETALING JAYA : Russian-founded e-hailing firms inDrive and Maxim have been placed under a three-month probation period after successfully appealing the revocation of their operating licences. The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) said the two companies were ordered to take corrective measures to continue operating, particularly regarding e-hailing vehicle permits (EVPs). 'To meet this condition, Maxim and inDrive have improved their registration system to ensure all of their drivers have valid EVPs before they can start operating. 'Both companies have also given Apad 'view only' access to their data to make it easier to cross-check their data on EVPs,' it said in a statement. Apad said it conducted a random check on their drivers on July 11 and found that everything was in compliance. The agency and the road transport department had found the improvements made by the companies satisfactory, and agreed to place Maxim and inDrive under a three-month monitoring period, effective tomorrow. 'To ensure the continuous commitment of both operators, their representatives are required to turn up at the Apad headquarters every month throughout the monitoring period. 'These sessions are aimed at allowing Apad to conduct real-time monitoring, with random checks conducted on drivers via the inDrive and Maxim applications,' it said. In May, both firms were ordered to halt operations from July 24 after failing to comply with Apad's regulations introduced in 2019. In September 2022, the road transport department raided inDrive's Malaysian office and discovered that the firm was operating with an expired licence. In 2023, Maxim was also raided by Apad officers for allowing vehicles to operate without a valid permit.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ilham Tower challenges MACC's second seizure over alleged irregularities
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) failed to comply with proper procedure in its bid to seize Ilham Tower for the second time, the High Court heard. Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd, the owner of the building, claimed the second seizure notice issued by the anti-graft body failed to adhere to procedures under Section 51(1A) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. Section 51(1A) of the AMLATFPUAA 2001 requires law enforcement agencies to issue a written notice to the person who owns or possesses any property seized under the Act, informing them of the seizure. The company claimed the MACC also failed to post the notice in a public place as required by law, choosing instead to issue a press statement on the seizure. The company said this in its supporting affidavit to seek leave (permission) to initiate a judicial review to challenge the seizure. "The fourth respondent (MACC) also said that with the seizure of Ilham Tower, all transactions or transfers of ownership involving the building are now prohibited. "This statement is clearly erroneous, as no formal notice was served on the applicant. "The issuance of the second seizure notice is an abuse of process and power. It overlaps the earlier seizure and appears to be an attempt to unlawfully circumvent the 18-month time limit for the first seizure, which expired on June 17. "Although the first seizure notice was issued on Dec 18, 2023, no prosecution or charge has been brought against the late Tun Daim Zainuddin to indicate that the premises are linked to any offence under the MACC Act. "Since the first seizure notice, no evidence has been presented linking the applicant or Daim to any specific offence under the MACC Act 2009, AMLA 2001, or any other law related to money laundering or corruption," the affidavit said. Ilham Tower further argued that the second seizure violates Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, as it deprives the applicant of the right to use and enjoy the property. The company said the seizure has caused a significant loss in rental income, reputational harm as a property owner, and depreciation in the property's value. It added that the prolonged and arbitrary denial of ownership rights – without any charge or prosecution – was not only grossly unfair but also risked rendering the judicial review application futile. Ilham Tower filed the ex-parte application through its legal firm, Messrs Raj & Sach, on June 23. One of the company's directors is the late Daim's wife, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid. In its application, Ilham Tower named the MACC, its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, senior officer Mohd Razi Rahhim @ Rahim, MACC deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib, the public prosecutor, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and the government as respondents. The company is seeking a declaration that the order or seizure notice issued by Ahmad Akram is null and void. The company is also applying for a certiorari order to quash the seizure notice and all related decisions or actions. Additionally, it seeks a mandamus order compelling the second respondent – or any officer, employee, agent, or authorised individual under the second respondent – to cancel the seizure notice. Ilham Tower is also requesting a court order to suspend the seizure notice and all related actions or decisions until its judicial review application is heard and decided by the High Court. The company is also seeking damages and costs.
