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Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Nga demands apology from MyKiosk 'White Elephants' critics
KUALA LUMPUR - Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has called on those who labelled the MyKiosk initiative is a 'white elephant' project to apologise. He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation, which found no elements of corruption or abuse of power in the programme's implementation, clearly demonstrated that the Housing and Local Government Ministry's (KPKT) efforts to carry out government policies should not be subjected to unfounded accusations. "KPKT took the initiative to invite MACC to conduct an investigation. It was not MACC that approached us. We went to MACC and submitted all the documents for review. MACC has since issued a statement confirming that there was no abuse of power, no criminal element, and no corruption involved,' he said. "I demand, on behalf of KPKT staff who work tirelessly to serve the people, that those who have made baseless claims and slander come forward and apologise. The sacrifices of these civil servants must be acknowledged and not tarnished by unfounded allegations,' he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat), who had asked for the latest statistics on the implementation of the MyKiosk 2.0 programme and the status of the Batu Pahat Municipal Council Stadium upgrade project, including its scope of work, costs involved, and expected completion date Nga said the implementation of MyKiosk has shown encouraging results, with MyKiosk 1.0 achieving a 91.75 per cent occupancy rate, while MyKiosk 2.0 has reached 86.78 per cent. This success has positively transformed the lives of 7,243 hawkers and petty traders across the country. He also highlighted success stories of MyKiosk traders, such as a hawker selling 'ayam gunting' at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) Square who now earns up to RM30,000 a month, as well as food and soymilk traders who have doubled their income to RM18,000 a month after joining the programme. "This is a testament to the success of reforms aimed at helping hawkers. It proves that MyKiosk not only provides physical facilities but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth by creating sustainable business opportunities,' he said. However, Nga acknowledged that there were some shortcomings in the programme's earlier implementation. To address this, his ministry has introduced a 'traffic light' evaluation system to monitor the performance of local authorities (PBTs). Through this system, any PBT receiving a green rating will be categorised as having excellent performance and will receive increased allocations, while those with a yellow rating will have their allocations reviewed. "If the light is red, the allocation will be cancelled, and the head of the PBT will be summoned by the Local Government Department to receive a reprimand and provide an explanation for failing to implement government policies. "We will continue to monitor to ensure that the well-being of the people, the welfare of hawkers, consumer comfort, and environmental sustainability are all prioritised under the MADANI Economy framework," he said. Meanwhile, regarding the Batu Pahat Municipal Council Stadium upgrade project, Nga said the project is expected to commence early next year and be completed by the end of the same year. He said the RM3.5 million project is currently in the process of appointing a consultant. "The scope of work includes upgrading the field drainage system, resurfacing the field, and constructing a new running track,' he said. - BERNAMA
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Nga demands apology over MyKiosk ‘white elephant' claims
KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has demanded an apology from critics who labelled the MyKiosk initiative a 'white elephant' project. His statement follows the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) confirmation that no corruption or abuse of power occurred in the programme's implementation. Nga stressed that the ministry proactively invited MACC to investigate, submitting all relevant documents. 'MACC has since issued a statement confirming that there was no abuse of power, no criminal element, and no corruption involved,' he said during a Dewan Rakyat session. He called on critics to retract their accusations and acknowledge the hard work of civil servants. The MyKiosk initiative has recorded strong occupancy rates, with MyKiosk 1.0 at 91.75% and MyKiosk 2.0 at 86.78%. The programme has benefited 7,243 traders nationwide, with some reporting significant income growth. A hawker at Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) Square now earns up to RM30,000 monthly, while food and soymilk vendors doubled their income to RM18,000. To improve accountability, the ministry introduced a 'traffic light' system to evaluate local authorities (PBTs). Green-rated PBTs receive increased allocations, while yellow-rated ones face reviews. Red-rated PBTs risk cancelled funding and reprimands. Separately, the RM3.5 million Batu Pahat Municipal Council Stadium upgrade is set to begin early next year, focusing on drainage, field resurfacing, and a new running track. - Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
MyKiosk 2.0 achieves 86% occupancy, boosts trader incomes
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,518 out of 4,054 units under the MyKiosk 2.0 initiative have been taken up as of July, representing over 86 per cent occupancy, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Under the earlier MyKiosk 1.0 initiative, 2,926 out of 3,189 units are occupied, achieving a 91.75 per cent filling rate. Nga emphasised that the upgraded MyKiosk 2.0 features improved design and sustainability without raising rental costs. 'This initiative has successfully transformed the livelihoods of 7,243 hawkers and petty traders nationwide,' he said during a Dewan Rakyat session. The minister cited examples of traders, including an 'ayam gunting' seller in Melaka earning RM30,000 monthly and a soymilk vendor doubling income to RM18,000. Nga added that the ministry uses a 'traffic light' system to evaluate local authorities' management of MyKiosk units. Full marks are awarded for full occupancy, ensuring accountability. Plans for MyKiosk 3.0 are also under review to further support small businesses. - Bernama
BusinessToday
5 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Prime Minister To Make Special Announcement In Relation To Cost Of Living
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted at a major announcement aimed at easing the burden of the rising cost of living, describing it as an 'extraordinary' measure for the people. Speaking at the launch of the Bumiputera Master Plan, Tunas MADANI, and the JKPSB Housing Project at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang campus, Anwar said the government is finalising details of the initiative with the Ministry of Finance. 'The challenge facing our country now is the cost of living. We plan to raise civil service salaries and allowances by RM10 billion this year, and an additional RM18 billion next year, on top of the RM13 billion allocated for the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), bringing the total to RM23 billion,' he said. The Prime Minister emphasised that the rise in living costs is not unique to Malaysia, noting that it is a global issue. He added that his administration is actively exploring sustainable solutions and urged the public to be patient for a few more days. 'Every day, the Ministry of Finance is working hard to find a workable approach. The announcement must be significant and well-prepared. So wait—if not this Monday, then Tuesday. Just two or three more days,' he said. The Prime Minister previously shared on his official Facebook page that he would soon be unveiling a special initiative as a tribute to Malaysians, but no further details have been disclosed at this time. BuletinTV3 Related
![[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FAI_1752895875.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that the upcoming announcement of an 'extraordinary tribute' to Malaysians is related to the government's efforts to ease the rising cost of living. However, Anwar said he needed a little more time to make the announcement, allowing his team under the Finance Ministry to prepare the 'surprise' in greater detail to ensure it is more comprehensive. "The problem our country is facing is the cost of living. We want to increase salaries and allowances for public servants by RM10 billion this year, and next year by an additional RM18 billion, plus the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) of RM13 billion, making it RM23 billion. "The increase (in cost of living) is not only happening in our country but worldwide, but I am looking for ways and efforts. "Every day at the Finance Ministry, we are working hard to find an approach that can be announced soon, specifically to address the cost of living. "Please wait. If not Monday, then Tuesday, within two to three days. The announcement must be significant. We are finalising the details now. Pray that it will be good," he said. He said this when speaking at the launch of the Bumiputera Master Plan, Tunas Madani and the JKPSB Housing Project at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang branch here today. Anwar recently sparked public interest after posting a mysterious teaser on his official Facebook page. The short message offered no further details, sparking widespread discussions.
