MyKiosk project not a ‘white elephant’, majority of units in use, says Nga

• Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming explained that the project is implemented based on applications through local authorities, with priority given to small traders, especially those operating illegally by the roadside.

PUTRAJAYA (May 8): Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pictured) has dismissed claims that the ministry’s MyKiosk project has become a white elephant.

Speaking to reporters after the ministry’s 2024 excellence appreciation ceremony here on Thursday, Nga said the majority of kiosks had already been taken up, with only a small number yet to begin operations.

“[That's] not true (the white elephant allegation). The majority have been filled; only a few are not yet in operation.

“Instructions have already been issued by the Department of Local Government for all 7,000 kiosks nationwide to be fully utilised,” he said.

He explained that the project is implemented based on applications through local authorities, with priority given to small traders, especially those operating illegally by the roadside.

“With MyKiosk, we are ‘legalising’ their businesses by offering free rental for the first six months and a maximum rental rate of RM10 per day,” Nga said.

Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz had earlier claimed that the MyKiosk project was wasteful and had turned into a white elephant.

The MyKiosk project is meant to assist the bottom 40% income group and micro, small and medium enterprises by providing standardised, safe and comfortable business spaces.

It aims to boost the income and socio-economic status of local communities by offering low-rent kiosks.

As of December 2024, a total of 7,243 MyKiosk units had been approved across 133 local authorities nationwide, reportedly benefiting over 7,000 families.

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