The recipients of MyKiosk@KPKT programme with Mohd Jafni and Kulai Municipal Council officials.
SOME 30 solar-powered kiosks have been built as part of efforts to regulate and legalise unlicensed petty traders in Kulai.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the kiosks were built through the MyKiosk@KPKT programme under the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
“The programme was launched last year to help traders who are unable to get a licence from the local council.
“Among the reasons for this include their stalls being located in areas that may not be suitable or safe for them to run their businesses.
“Instead of issuing fines or punishing them, we are taking a more humane approach as we understand that they too are just trying to earn a living,” he said.
Mohd Jafni was speaking at a press conference after handing out MyKiosk@KPKT keys to traders at Jalan Merbau.
The kiosks, which cost RM15,000 each, have been placed in five locations.
“Through the programme, the traders, who are from the B40 category, are allocated kiosks in suitable areas. They have also been issued licences from the local council.
“Some of the kiosks are shared between two traders, with one operating during the day and the other at night,” he said, adding that 41 traders under Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) have benefited from the programme.
Mohd Jafni said the traders did not have to pay any rent for the first six months.
They would only have to pay RM30 a month after that.
Among the recipients was Amier Haikal Aziz, who had been trying to get a licence for about five years.
“I am grateful not only because I got a kiosk but also for obtaining a licence.
“I had been trying for years but was unable to get one as I was told the location I was operating at was unsuitable,” he said.
Another recipient, Wan Zaimah Wan Ayub, said that the kiosk would allow her to operate more comfortably.
“It makes my life easier as I do not have to go to MPKu to get a licence,” said Wan Zaimah, who has been trading for two years.
Also present were MPKu president Mohd Fahmi Salam, council secretary Azmee Awang, chief whip Mohd Fadil Misnan, zone councillors, department heads and agency representatives.