MyKiosk units in Tabuan Jaya remain vacant, says Chong
Chong addresses the issue of underutilised MyKiosk units during his site visit.
KUCHING (May 27): The MyKiosk units at Tabuan Jaya remain unoccupied more than six months after their construction, said DAP Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen.
Chong attributed the lack of interest to initial restrictions imposed by the Kuching City South Council (MBKS), which only allowed fruits to be sold at the kiosks ― despite the presence of nearby hawkers already selling fruits, vegetables, and plants.
'Even though MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng recently said vegetables can also be sold there, those who went to apply were told applications are closed until July,' Chong said during a Facebook livestream from the MyKiosk site at Tabuan Jaya.
He offered two suggestions to improve the situation: 'First, allow a wider variety of goods to be sold here, and quickly open applications for interested hawkers. Second, consider relocating the kiosks slightly to make room for more parking ― at least 50 scapes could be added.'
Chong also criticised the current placement of the kiosks, saying they occupy too much space and have reduced parking availability for nearby shopkeepers, hawkers, their customers, and residents.
He noted that the MyKiosk project at Tabuan Jaya was federally funded, while MBKS was responsible for the construction tender process.
'This is a good policy from the federal government,' he said, calling for better implementation at the local level.
According to a recent news report, a total of 7,235 kiosk units have been built under the 2023 and 2024 national budgets, with 562 units – or approximately 7.8 per cent – allocated to Sarawak.
The MyKiosk initiative aims to support the B40 group and micro, small and medium enterprises by providing standardised, safe and comfortable business spaces to boost income and socio-economic standing. Chong Chieng Jen hawkers kiosks lead MyKiosk
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