PUTRAJAYA: Concerns from the public surrounding the MyKiosk 2.0 project need to be addressed by the government, says MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan.
He added there should be transparency into the matter.
“The project has a noble aim to help traders and ease their burdens. However, concerns have arisen about its high material costs, which are higher than those outside. Reports and feedback indicate the kiosks are underutilised despite being built.
“Our intention is to ensure accountability and transparency on behalf of the public.
“The high costs associated with the construction of these kiosks have raised questions, and it’s crucial for the government to come clean,” he said when met outside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here yesterday.
Chong also urged the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to investigate the MyKiosk 2.0 initiative.
A group of youth leaders and members gathered at the MACC headquarters at about 10.30am and marched to the entrance, holding placards with messages like “Suara Rakyat Bangkit”, “People’s Money People’s Right”, “#teamrakyat” and “#BeliMahalKenapa”.
Calling for action: MCA Youth, led by its deputy chief Chong (third from left), has lodged a report with the MACC over the MyKiosk 2.0 project. With him were (from left) Low, Tan, Wong, Penang MCA Youth chief Sit Jie Hao and other Youth leaders and members. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
A detailed 76-page report compiled by the MCA Youth was later submitted to the MACC by Pahang MCA Youth chief Wong Siew Mun and MCA Beliawanis chief Ivone Low.
MACC administration branch head Zulhairi Zainal Abidin briefed the group and led the duo into the headquarters.
The MyKiosk 2.0 initiative, initially launched to provide street vendors with suitable trading spaces, has faced criticism due to its high costs compared to market alternatives.
Concerns about the project’s effectiveness have also been raised, with reports indicating that many kiosks remained unused due to impractical locations and inadequate facilities.
Selangor MCA Youth chief Tan Jie Sen, who was also present, highlighted the inefficiency in the utilisation of kiosks, particularly in areas under the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), where just a fraction of the kiosks is operational.
“Despite the significant funds allocated, only about 55% of the kiosks are in use. We need clarity whether this project truly benefits the public,” he said.
Wong also expressed disappointment over the government’s response to the issue, saying recent statements by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming that appeared to dismiss public concerns were uncalled for.
“It’s troubling if the government cannot handle scrutiny,” she said, adding that Nga should look into the public’s concerns.
NGO Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) has also called for an audit on the costs and implementation of MyKiosk 2.0.
On Tuesday, Nga said he welcomes the MACC to “have tea” at the ministry over the MyKiosk 2.0 project, which faced scrutiny and public backlash concerning its costs, site selection and other details. He also said his ministry is prepared to take action against those spreading slander on social media.
Nga stated that 2,798 kiosks were taken up at a rate of 87.74% under MyKiosk 1.0, and 2,653 units at a rate of 65.44% under MyKiosk 2.0.
He added that Johor has 1,185 kiosks, the highest among all states.
He said MyKiosk 2.0 was introduced following the overwhelming response to MyKiosk 1.0, with improvements like solar and environment-friendly batteries lasting 12 hours, up from four.
