Latest news with #MyKiosk@KPKT
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Apologise, Nga tells critics who labelled MyKiosk project a white elephant
KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has demanded that critics of the ministry's MyKiosk initiative issue an apology. He made the call after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) found no elements of corruption or abuse of power in the project. "There were allegations that this was a white elephant project. Because of that, the ministry took the initiative to invite the MACC to investigate. When the anti-graft body did not come, we went to them. "We provided all the necessary documents for the MACC to conduct a thorough investigation. Last week, the MACC issued a statement confirming there was no abuse of power, no criminal elements, and no corruption. So, to those who threw stones, do not now hide your hands. "On behalf of all the ministry's staff who have worked tirelessly to serve the people, I demand that those who made baseless accusations apologise. "We believe the sacrifices of civil servants must be respected, not met with unfounded allegations," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. Nga said this when responding to a question from Onn Abu Bakar (PH–Batu Pahat), who inquired about the implementation statistics of the MyKiosk 2.0 programme. Meanwhile, Nga said that in 2023, an allocation of RM50 million under the MyKiosk@KPKT programme was used to provide 3,189 kiosk units. Last year, RM100 million was allocated for MyKiosk 2.0, which involved the construction of 4,054 new kiosk units. "In line with the ministry's commitment to continuous improvement based on traders' feedback, the design specifications for MyKiosk 2.0 have been modified to be more environmentally sustainable and equipped with better facilities, without any increase in rental rates. "As of July this year, the occupancy rate for MyKiosk@KPKT (2023) stands at 2,926 units (91.75 per cent), while MyKiosk 2.0 (2024) has reached 3,518 units (86.78 per cent)." In another development, Nga said that a traffic light system will be implemented to evaluate the performance of local authorities. "I admit that there have been some shortcomings in implementation, which is why this year we are introducing reforms through a traffic light system. Local councils will be evaluated based on this system. "If the indicator is green, it means excellent performance and their allocation will be increased. If it is yellow, the allocation will be reviewed. If it is red, the allocation will be cancelled," he said.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
No Reports Of Abandoned MyKiosk Stalls In Melaka
GENERAL MELAKA, May 16 (Bernama) -- There have been no reports of abandoned or unused stalls under the MyKiosk@KPKT initiative in Melaka, despite claims made elsewhere. State Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin said demand for MyKiosk units in Melaka remains strong, particularly in areas under the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB). 'I'm not sure why the MyKiosk initiative is said to be failing in other places, but here in Melaka, the situation is under control. A few units may not have opened yet, but this isn't a major issue,' he said. He estimated that only 10 to 15 per cent of the stalls have yet to be occupied and expected these to be taken up soon. He pointed to a recent MBMB interview session that drew 75 applicants for just 30 available units as evidence of demand. Rais, also the Paya Rumput state assemblyman, was speaking to reporters after officiating the Teacher's Day celebration at Sekolah Kebangsaan Paya Rumput, where he presented the Alumni Teacher Recognition Award. He added that several units that appear closed are already allocated to traders who are still preparing to begin operations. The MyKiosk@KPKT initiative, led by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), has previously faced criticism, with some labelling it a 'white elephant' project. However, Rais dismissed that characterisation, highlighting the programme's aim to support the B40 income group and small businesses by offering low-rent, standardised kiosks that are safe and functional. As of last December, 7,243 MyKiosk units had been approved across 133 local authorities nationwide, benefiting over 7,000 families by helping them boost their incomes.
