Mixed reactions for MyKiosk 2.0
The government’s MyKiosk 2.0 initiative, launched to empower small traders with modern infrastructure, has received mixed feedback, ranging from praise for improved security to complaints about construction quality.
The implementation at the PJS 2/8 site in Petaling Jaya is part of efforts to streamline small businesses through a more organised and cleaner design.
Summary
A Malaysiakini visit to PJS 2/8, Petaling Jaya, finds that traders have mixed reactions to the MyKiosk 2.0 project.
Some have praised the improved security and comfort, but others criticise the high cost, poor construction quality, and design flaws.
Customers also appear mixed on the project, with some saying it is not user-friendly.
The government’s MyKiosk 2.0 initiative, launched to empower small traders with modern infrastructure, has received mixed feedback, ranging from praise for improved security to complaints about construction quality.
The implementation at the PJS 2/8 site in Petaling Jaya is part of efforts to streamline small businesses through a more organised and cleaner design.
However, some have raised concerns over non-transparent procurement and underutilised kiosks, warning that it risks becoming a “white elephant” project.
Malaysiakini found that some traders welcomed the facilities provided, especially in terms of better security for the goods, comfort, and access to customers.
Even so, some have voiced frustration over the quality of the kiosk’s construction and user-friendliness.
‘Steep’ entry cost
Apam balik hawker Niezam Shah, 40, described the facilities as falling short of expectations despite the high cost.
“For me, the RM25,000 cost is very steep, and the functions inside the kiosk are unsatisfactory.
“Many parts of the roof are leaking, the provided fans are low quality, the battery capacity doesn’t last long, the building materials rust easily, and the kiosk has only been used for a week,” he said.
The RM25,000 is for the latest model of MyKiosk, which the Housing and Local Government Ministry touts as having improved solar panels, battery and even hydraulic windows.
The older iteration of the trading cabins cost RM15,000.
The cost of purchasing MyKiosk falls onto local councils, who get funding from the Housing and Local Government Ministry for procurement.
For traders, the cost of rental is just RM10 per day.
Trader Fuad Ismail, 64, shared a similar view, describing the kiosk’s design as unsuitable for local use.
“For me, it’s not worth it. The kiosk height isn’t proportionate to the local population because it’s too high.
“The structure allows water leakage, and the solar power supply is insufficient,” he said.
Meanwhile, fruit rojak seller Azlan Abu Talib, 38, felt the facilities greatly eased his business operations.
“For me, the comfort level is very high. There are no shortcomings.
“The MyKiosk construction is worth it because it makes it easy for traders to store items without needing to bring them home, and the security of goods is assured.
“What the Housing and Local Government Ministry said about the facilities is true,” he said.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | MyKiosk: Hawker reform or costly white elephant?
Kalimatul Qadra Razis, 31, who helps with the family business, also welcomed the initiative, though she pointed out an issue with the ventilation.
“For me, MyKiosk is comfortable; it’s just that the fans aren’t efficient (not strong enough). Everything else is fine,” she said.
Tables too high
Customer feedback was also mixed.
Ibrahim Sabaruddin, 77, a regular customer there, said the poorly designed tables made transactions more difficult.
“As a customer, I’m not comfortable. The table is too high, making it hard for customers to make purchases,” he said.
Food delivery rider Noor Firdaus, 40, who often deals at MyKiosk stalls, concurred.
“What’s being sold is hard to see because the kiosk table is too high. It needs to be lowered a bit so buyers have easier access,” he said.
However, Aidil Adha, 30, and Izhar Saad, 24, offered a different view.
They said the facilities provided added value in terms of comfort and weather protection.
“I’m satisfied shopping at MyKiosk. It’s easy and comfortable to access, with a roof for shade in the heat,” said Aidil.
“I’m comfortable with this type of selling and feel the infrastructure provided by the ministry benefits both sides,” said Izhar.
Malaysiakini is currently seeking clarification from the Petaling Jaya City Council regarding the issues raised by traders and customers.
Accusations of impropriety
On 26 May, MCA Youth filed a report with the MACC over alleged improprieties in the implementation of the MyKiosk project and urged for a thorough investigation.
Public Accounts Committee chairperson Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has also called on the Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming to explain the effectiveness of the initiative to the public.
Previously, Nga stated that his ministry is ready to be investigated by the MACC regarding the implementation of the MyKiosk programme.
Nga also warned that his ministry’s staffers are actively collecting all videos spreading false news related to the issue.
