NO REPORTS OF ABANDONED MYKIOSK STALLS IN MELAKA – EXCO

MELAKA, May 16 (Bernama) -- There have been no reports of abandoned or unused stalls under the MyKiosk@KPKT initiative in Melaka, despite claims made elsewhere.

State Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin said demand for MyKiosk units in Melaka remains strong, particularly in areas under the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB).

“I’m not sure why the MyKiosk initiative is said to be failing in other places, but here in Melaka, the situation is under control. A few units may not have opened yet, but this isn’t a major issue,” he said.

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He estimated that only 10 to 15 per cent of the stalls have yet to be occupied and expected these to be taken up soon. He pointed to a recent MBMB interview session that drew 75 applicants for just 30 available units as evidence of demand.

Rais, also the Paya Rumput state assemblyman, was speaking to reporters after officiating the Teacher’s Day celebration at Sekolah Kebangsaan Paya Rumput, where he presented the Alumni Teacher Recognition Award.

He added that several units that appear closed are already allocated to traders who are still preparing to begin operations.

The MyKiosk@KPKT initiative, led by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), has previously faced criticism, with some labelling it a ‘white elephant’ project.

However, Rais dismissed that characterisation, highlighting the programme’s aim to support the B40 income group and small businesses by offering low-rent, standardised kiosks that are safe and functional.

As of last December, 7,243 MyKiosk units had been approved across 133 local authorities nationwide, benefiting over 7,000 families by helping them boost their incomes.

-- BERNAMA