Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has confirmed that no criminal elements or abuse of power were identified in the implementation of the MyKiosk Programme, as per the findings of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) investigation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu stated that the MACC conducted the investigation following complaints, with KPKT providing all necessary documents to the commission on May 22, showcasing the ministry's commitment to transparency and integrity. The MACC announced on July 3 that there were no criminal elements or abuse of power involved, suggesting only improvements in governance. Athirah addressed this during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara, responding to Senator Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman's inquiry regarding the MACC's probe into the governance of the MyKiosk initiative.
Aiman Athirah detailed the financial allocations for the project, highlighting a total of RM50 million for the 2023 MyKiosk 1.0 implementation, which included 3,189 units costing RM48.18 million. For 2024, RM100 million has been allocated for MyKiosk 2.0, covering 4,054 units valued at RM98.75 million. She noted that the occupancy rate for MyKiosk 1.0 has reached 94.39 percent, while MyKiosk 2.0 has an occupancy rate of 89.07 percent. Challenges such as unsuitable locations, lack of basic infrastructure, and incomplete sites were identified as reasons for the unoccupied units.
To address these issues, a task force has been established to evaluate locations and expedite occupancy, alongside integrated monitoring and joint engagement sessions. Athirah mentioned that a new monitoring system, based on a "traffic light" method, has been introduced to assess the performance of local authorities, offering full marks as an incentive.
The Deputy Minister clarified the cost structure, stating that the ceiling cost for a MyKiosk 1.0 unit is RM15,000, whereas a MyKiosk 2.0 unit costs RM25,000 due to new specifications. The ministry has also permitted local authorities to relocate kiosks to more strategic public areas, given their mobility and adaptability to local needs.
In response to a supplementary question regarding the differences between the old and new MyKiosk models, Athirah explained that the latest model includes enhancements such as 100-watt solar panels (upgraded from 50 watts), powder-coated walls, a fan, a weatherproof system, and a broader coverage angle. The increased costs reflect these advanced specifications.