The Housing and Local Government Ministry will file police reports and complaints to the MCMC following the circulation of several videos and false news regarding the MyKiosk project.

Its minister Nga Kor Ming said he has instructed the Local Government Department to identify the parties spreading the fake news.

“The ministry’s staff are actively compiling all the videos spreading false information. If you want to spread fake news, go ahead, but we will also take stern action,” he said.

He was speaking to the media after the pre-launch ceremony of the Minister’s Excellence Awards and Media Excellence Awards 2025 in Putrajaya today.

A Mykiosk vendor

Nga said his ministry will lodge a complaint with the MCMC to enable an investigation under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

When asked about calls for the MACC to intervene and investigate the MyKiosk project, the minister said he is ready to cooperate if an investigation is conducted.

Responding to allegations that his ministry appointed its own contractors for the MyKiosk installations, Nga clarified that the claim is untrue, as all 795 contractors were appointed by 156 local authorities nationwide.

According to Nga, the ministry only provides funding, while the local authorities handle other aspects such as contractor selection, kiosk location, and vendor management.

Cost of kiosks

On claims that the cost of MyKiosk units is too high, he explained that the cost is justified due to upgrades in the MyKiosk 2.0 model, which now includes features like solar panels and long-lasting batteries, LED lighting, ambient LED lights, LED signage, portable batteries, adjustable shelves, fans, hydraulic windows, and roof heat insulation.

“The RM25,000 per kiosk is a ceiling price set by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, so contractors must offer a price lower than the ceiling,” he said.

He said the latest statistics show 2,798 units (87.74 percent) of MyKiosk 1.0 have been rented out. For MyKiosk 2.0, the occupancy rate is 2,653 units (65.44 percent).

The ministry’s MyKiosk project is an initiative to support the B40 income group and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by providing standardised, safe, and comfortable business spaces.

The project aims to increase local residents’ income and socio-economic status through affordable kiosk rentals.

Meanwhile, regarding the Minister’s Excellence Awards event, Nga said the awards are open to personnel from the Housing and Local Government Ministry and local authorities.

Winners will receive up to RM20,000 in cash, a certificate of appreciation, a trophy, and, for selected categories, the opportunity to attend short courses at Harvard University and Melbourne Business School.

As for the Media Excellence Awards, Nga said it is open to all local media practitioners submitting works published between Sept 1, 2024, and Aug 31, 2025. Winners will receive a trophy and a RM3,000 cash prize.

The Media Excellence Awards, organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Press Institute, aim to recognise and elevate the continued role of media in interpreting the ministry’s key agenda.

Submissions for both awards are open from today and will close on Sept 16.

- Bernama

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