What’s Really Going On with MyKiosk? KPKT Responds to Public Concerns

In recent weeks, the MyKiosk initiative by the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) has become a trending topic, with social media abuzz over its costs, implementation, and effectiveness. Some claim the kiosks are overpriced. Others question whether they are even necessary.

In response, KPKT has released a full clarification addressing the misunderstandings and outlining the facts behind the program. Here’s a closer look at what the ministry had to say, along with the official data that helps put things into perspective.

Was there a proper study done before RM150 million was spent?

Yes, and it was comprehensive.

In August 2022, KPKT began engagement sessions with local authorities (PBTs) to assess the needs of small traders, particularly those affected by the economic fallout from COVID-19. These sessions gathered data on:

The number of kiosk units required
Trader demographics and current business conditions
Budget estimations and location suitability

The ministry then used this data to refine the proposal through several levels of review before it was submitted to the Ministry of Finance under Budget 2023. The funding was not approved blindly, it was based on groundwork, planning, and feedback from the grassroots.

Why did the government allocate another RM100 million in 2024 if the first round supposedly didn’t do well?

Contrary to criticism, MyKiosk 1.0 was not a failure.

The first phase, known as MyKiosk 1.0, was actually quite successful. Out of 3,189 approved kiosks, 2,798 were already occupied by traders, which amounts to an 87.74% occupancy rate. That’s a strong performance by any standard.

Due to this positive response, the government decided to continue the program in 2024 under MyKiosk 2.0, which features upgraded designs and additional support. So far, 2,653 out of 4,054 kiosks have already been filled, bringing the current occupancy rate to 65.44%. That number is expected to increase as more traders come on board.

Why did a single kiosk cost RM16,000 in 2023?

This figure relates to MyKiosk 1.0, where the average cost was RM15,000 per unit.

The kiosk was designed with core necessities for small traders operating by roadsides. Each unit included:

A modular, fixed structure
A solar panel system (300W)
Basic electrical support to power mobile devices and fans

It was never meant to be a luxury setup, just a simple, functional solution to help micro-entrepreneurs operate legally and safely.

Why did the cost increase to RM25,000 per unit in 2024?

The increase for MyKiosk 2.0 reflects real upgrades and enhancements based on feedback from traders and PBTs.

New features include:

Bigger solar capacity: from 300W to 1,000W
LED lighting: including ambient and hanging bulbs
Hydraulic windows, proper racks, signage space
Better structural materials like powder-coated galvanized steel
Roofing improvements, modular flooring, and adjustable support systems

Despite these enhancements, KPKT clarified that monthly rental remains low, capped at RM300, ensuring affordability for small traders.

Who got the contract to build these kiosks, and was the process fair?

The contracts weren’t awarded centrally by KPKT but were managed directly by the local councils (PBTs).

Procurement was done using open tenders, and only contractors registered with CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) under Grade G1 and G2 were eligible.

For MyKiosk 1.0, 349 projects were approved and executed by 349 contractors across 114 PBTs. For MyKiosk 2.0, the numbers are even bigger; 446 contractors involved across 96 PBTs.

This decentralised approach helps ensure transparency and gives more local contractors a fair shot.

Is the kiosk design practical?

This was another major criticism, and one KPKT addressed directly.

MyKiosk was specifically designed for outdoor and roadside traders, many of whom operate in unregulated conditions. The kiosks allow these traders to:

Operate legally with proper licenses
Trade in a safer, more hygienic environment
Use solar energy to power basic electrical devices
Be relocated as needed by local authorities

Each unit may look compact, but it is purpose-built. Additional utilities like water can be provided based on demand by respective local councils.

Has the National Audit Department issued any report on MyKiosk?

As of now, no audit report has been released by the National Audit Department regarding the MyKiosk initiative.

However, KPKT has emphasized that it is committed to accountability and welcomes continuous feedback from both the public and participating traders. Improvements are ongoing and will continue to be made.

Final thoughts

The MyKiosk program isn’t perfect, and there are still things that can be improved. But it’s also not the wasteful or poorly planned project that some people claim it to be.

At its heart, MyKiosk is about helping small traders get back on their feet after the pandemic. It gives them a proper space to run their business, one that’s safer, legal, and equipped with basic needs like electricity. And the best part? It’s offered at a subsidised, affordable rate.

So far, over 7,000 kiosks have been approved across Malaysia, and thousands of traders are already using them. This isn’t just a project about putting up kiosks; it’s part of a bigger effort to grow small businesses and support local communities that have often been left out of the formal economy.

For more info, check out KPKT Malaysia.