logo
Nga demands apology over MyKiosk ‘white elephant' claims

Nga demands apology over MyKiosk ‘white elephant' claims

The Sun22-07-2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has demanded an apology from critics who labelled the MyKiosk initiative a 'white elephant' project.
His statement follows the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) confirmation that no corruption or abuse of power occurred in the programme's implementation.
Nga stressed that the ministry proactively invited MACC to investigate, submitting all relevant documents. 'MACC has since issued a statement confirming that there was no abuse of power, no criminal element, and no corruption involved,' he said during a Dewan Rakyat session. He called on critics to retract their accusations and acknowledge the hard work of civil servants.
The MyKiosk initiative has recorded strong occupancy rates, with MyKiosk 1.0 at 91.75% and MyKiosk 2.0 at 86.78%. The programme has benefited 7,243 traders nationwide, with some reporting significant income growth. A hawker at Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) Square now earns up to RM30,000 monthly, while food and soymilk vendors doubled their income to RM18,000.
To improve accountability, the ministry introduced a 'traffic light' system to evaluate local authorities (PBTs). Green-rated PBTs receive increased allocations, while yellow-rated ones face reviews. Red-rated PBTs risk cancelled funding and reprimands.
Separately, the RM3.5 million Batu Pahat Municipal Council Stadium upgrade is set to begin early next year, focusing on drainage, field resurfacing, and a new running track. - Bernama
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Penang backs 13MP, vows to accelerate high-value economy transition
Penang backs 13MP, vows to accelerate high-value economy transition

New Straits Times

time7 minutes ago

  • New Straits Times

Penang backs 13MP, vows to accelerate high-value economy transition

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government fully supports the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Dewan Rakyat earlier today. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the core elements of the 13MP aligned with the goal of accelerating the achievement of Vision Penang 2030, which has been in place since 2018. As such, he said, Penang would continue to mobilise resources and engage its citizens to accelerate the transition to a high-value economy, enhancing the country's influence and global image, while ensuring a more prosperous life for the people and a sustainable environment, as envisioned. "As the 'Eastern Silicon Valley', Penang is grateful for the focus on listed projects that will provide high investment returns to the state of Penang and Malaysia in general. "This demonstrates that Penang continues to play a significant role in national investments and is poised to realise the country's vision of becoming a leader in the high-value semiconductor industry," he said in a statement today. Elaborating, Chow said infrastructure development projects such as the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and the PLUS Highway (Juru - Sungai Dua elevated highway) project would not only improve infrastructure but also expand existing connectivity. Similarly, he said, the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) would enhance user experience. "The Penang government hopes that this will be completed on schedule to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate planned growth in the surrounding areas of the state," he added. Furthermore, Chow said, Penang welcomed the announcement of the long-awaited upgrade of the Klinik Desa Padang Menora in Seberang Prai Utara, which is eagerly anticipated by the local community. He said this upgrade would improve healthcare services in the area. Meanwhile, Chow said the implementation of a five-season paddy planting programme over the next two years in integrated agricultural development areas would provide an advantage for the state to maintain its position as the highest average rice producer in the country, thereby ensuring continued food security. "Overall, the Penang government hopes that this announcement will be followed by further details, including directions and strategies that need to be reviewed. "Follow-up actions will be presented to the relevant ministries to ensure that the commitments announced are realised in accordance with the people's mandate in the state and the country," he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling of the 13MP, said the next five years would be critical for Malaysia's journey towards becoming a high-income nation, The 13MP, themed "Redesigning Development to Elevate the Dignity of the People", goes beyond economic aspirations.

13MP uplifts Indian community in line with Madani economic agenda
13MP uplifts Indian community in line with Madani economic agenda

New Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

13MP uplifts Indian community in line with Madani economic agenda

KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) provides specific emphasis on raising the socioeconomic standards of the Indian community, in line with the Madani spirit that stresses a unified and comprehensive approach, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said. The 13MP strategy was drafted to improve the quality of life and social mobility of the Indian community, especially from the low income group, through various initiatives outlined in the Malaysian Indian Blueprint and Indian Community Action Plan, while existing programmes that will be continued include the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development scheme. "13MP focuses on capacity and talent development, including in STEM, TVET fields and career opportunities, in addition to improving basic infrastructure, home repairs and housing access," he said in a statement today. Efforts are also driven by economy and social empowerment, strengthening community governance and expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation to increase programme targeting and effectiveness, he said. Programmes like the Indian Community Socioeconomic Development Programme are designed holistically to empower education, entrepreneurship and social wellbeing, he said, adding that implementation of physical development projects in Indian community villages is also being planned. Ramanan also shared that the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry would introduce a self supervisory system for the franchise industry to reduce bureaucracy and boost competitiveness as part of the 13MP's second focus targeting high value industries and strategic sectors. "The 13MP document was drafted in detail without neglecting the needs of target groups, including the Indian community. It contributes to the Madani Economy aspirations to raise the floor, the ceiling and strengthen governance towards sustainable economic growth," he added. The 13MP, themed "Melakar Semula Pembangunan" (Redesigning Development) was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Dewan Rakyat today.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store