PUTRAJAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry is open to investigation by any authority, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), over the MyKiosk pricing controversy.
“I would like to invite Tan Sri Azam Baki (chief commissioner of MACC) to my office for tea (to discuss further),” he said after the pre-launch of the Minister’s Excellence Award and the Ministry’s Media Excellence Awards today.
Nga also said that the ministry would lodge reports with the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission against individuals spreading false information on social media about its MyKiosk initiative.
“We are actively gathering video evidence. Reports will be made to the MCMC under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and to the police under the Penal Code, as spreading false information is a criminal offence.
“If you dare to spread fake news, we will take action. You will be held accountable,” he warned.
The ministry has defended the MyKiosk project and has dismissed claims that it has become a white elephant.
The MyKiosk programme aims to support street vendors by providing proper facilities at minimal cost.
Nga had also clarified that the increase in the cost of kiosks to RM25,000 each under the MyKiosk 2.0 programme is due to significant design improvements aimed at of small traders
Nga said the ministry had been transparent about the MyKiosk project, with 156 local authorities already receiving kiosk allocations to support targeted communities.
The widely quoted RM25,000 per kiosk is only a ceiling price, he said, adding that “local councils are free to appoint contractors through open bidding, with some kiosks reportedly costing as low as RM13,000 to RM15,000.”
Nga said these kiosks are equipped with solar panels, fans, LED lighting, kitchen modules and portable batteries, making them Malaysia’s first green energy micro-business infrastructure.
In the upgraded MyKiosk 2.0 version, he said improvements include better battery life, modular solar systems, improved roofing, hydraulic windows, and reinforced structures.
Nga said the state that received the highest number of kiosks is Johor, with a total of 1,185 kiosks.
The project has received strong support, especially from single mothers who credit it for helping them sustain their livelihoods, he said.
“We will continue to intensify efforts to support the people. The welfare of the rakyat remains a top priority for the Madani government,” Nga added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
