Govt to build over 3,000 solar-powered kiosks for petty traders nationwide

SEPANG: Over 3,000 solar-powered trading kiosks will be built nationwide by the end of the year in a bid to regulate and legalise unlicensed petty traders while boosting the economy.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said a total of RM50mil has been allocated for the MyKiosk project, out of which a total of RM49.14mil has been earmarked for 3,173 kiosks under 113 local authorities to date.

He said 100 kiosks have already been completed in five locations.

“Priority will be given to applicants in the B40 category and traders who are being relocated to a safer and strategic location," he said after launching 20 kiosks in Taman Putra Perdana here on Friday (July 28).

“Rental will not be more than RM300 a month and will be waived for the first six months.

“The kiosks can also be open at night. Long operational hours will translate to better income.

“Since the kiosks are solar-powered, there will be no electricity bill, which will save operating costs.

“The initiative will have a big impact on improving the economy of the traders,” he added.

The 20 kiosks launched on Friday make up the first batch of MyKiosks launched in the country.

Nga said the nature of business at each kiosk could be varied and was dependent upon local authority approval.

Also present was Selangor caretaker local government and public transportation committee chairman Ng Sze Han and Sepang Municipal Council(MPSepang) president Abd Hamid Hussain.

Abd Hamid said there were still 100 unlicensed petty traders and 64 petty traders operating using temporary trading licences.

“We are very thankful to the ministry for approving this phase of the MyKiosk.

“The second phase of MyKiosk has also been approved at another location in Taman Putra Perdana that will have 15 kiosks,” he said.