By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: The MyKiosk programme introduced by the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) is not a white elephant project, but a successful initiative that has helped small traders and the B40 community operate in safer and more organised spaces.
Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said 624 MyKiosk units had been completed across the state as of April 2025, with 83%, or 520 units, already rented out and in operation.
“The claim that MyKiosk has received a poor response is inaccurate. There are locations where the number of applications exceeds the available kiosks,” she said when Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic contacted her.
Sandrea explained that MyKiosk is a federal government initiative powered by solar energy, aimed at supporting small entrepreneurs and addressing the issue of unlicensed roadside trading in risky areas. The programme also serves as a legalisation mechanism to relocate traders to safer, regulated sites.
She added that the maximum rental rate is capped at RM300 per month, while tenants are offered a six-month rent-free period to ease their business startup burden.
“Some kiosks have yet to begin operations due to traders requesting to postpone their move, especially those focusing on the Ramadan bazaar or festive seasons. This does not mean the kiosks are unoccupied, just not fully operational yet,” she said.
Touching on allegations of kiosk subletting in areas such as Meru, Sandrea stressed that such practices are strictly prohibited by the local authorities.
“We urge the public to report any such incidents directly to the local councils so that investigations can be carried out. These kiosks are meant to support genuine traders, not for profiteering,” she said.
She also noted that tenants who fail to operate for more than 30 consecutive days without valid reasons risk having their rental contracts revoked.
One of the main challenges, Sandrea said, lies in finding suitable locations due to the size of the kiosks and the high number of applicants, which may disrupt the balance within a community if oversaturated.
“We welcome those interested in doing business to approach the local councils for advice and support.
“Additionally, we have requested council members and local authorities to engage directly with the community and hawker associations to assess the need for additional kiosks or trading areas,” she added.
