IPOH: About 83% of MyKiosk units across Perak are currently operational, according to state executive councillor Sandrea Ng.
The state housing and local government committee chairman said 705 kiosks have been approved for 15 local governments, with 520 already rented out.
"This means about 83% of the kiosks have tenants and are actively operating," she told reporters after attending the Ipoh City Council’s excellent service awards ceremony here on Thursday (May 15).
Ng explained that once a kiosk is completed and handed over, an interview and placement process is carried out to ensure a smooth transition to operation.
She was responding to questions about public interest and uptake of the MyKiosk project in Perak.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming recently dismissed claims that the MyKiosk initiative was turning into a white elephant project, following remarks by Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz.
Ng also clarified that kiosks which are completed but not yet occupied are still undergoing the stages of preparation, including interviews, site identification, or waiting for tenants to be ready to move in.
She said they have not faced any issue of low interest or underutilisation that would justify calling it a white elephant.
"In fact, we have received very good responses. In many cases, the challenge is not having enough kiosks to meet the demand," she added.
Ng said that some tenants only operate on a part-time basis, which can lead to misconceptions about kiosk activity.
"When members of the public pass by and see some kiosks closed while others are open, this doesn’t mean they are unoccupied. Some open in the morning, others in the evening."
She said the programme has been running well so far, and local authorities in Perak would continue to apply for more kiosks if demand persists.
Ng also noted that once kiosks are rented out, local councils are tasked with monitoring them to ensure they are being actively used for business.
