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THE Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will file police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reports following the spread of false information concerning its MyKiosk project.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said he has instructed the Department of Local Government (JKT) to identify individuals involved in disseminating fake news about the initiative.
He confirmed that a complaint would be filed with the MCMC to allow investigations under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“Ministry staff are actively collecting all videos that spread fake news. If you wish to spread false information, go ahead — we will also take firm action,” Bernama cited him saying after officiating the pre-launch of the 2025 Minister’s Excellence Awards (AKM) and the Media Excellence Awards (AKeMedia) today.
Nga maintained that the MyKiosk@KPKT tender process had been conducted transparently, with 795 contractors appointed by 156 local authorities nationwide.
“The ministry only provides funding. The local councils manage other aspects such as contractor selection, site identification and trader involvement,” he said.
Responding to criticism over the cost of the upgraded MyKiosk 2.0 model, Nga defended the ceiling price of RM25,000 per unit, explaining that the kiosks now feature enhanced facilities including solar panels, long-life batteries, LED lighting, backlit signage, mobile power banks, adjustable racks, fans, hydraulic windows, and roof heat insulation.
“This RM25,000 is merely the maximum cap set by the ministry. Contractors are required to offer prices below that threshold,” he said.
Nga added that the MyKiosk initiative has seen strong uptake, with 87.74 per cent of MyKiosk 1.0 units (2,798 units) and 65.44 per cent of MyKiosk 2.0 units (2,653 units) currently leased to traders.
MyKiosk\@KPKT is a government initiative aimed at supporting the B40 income group and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing standardised, safe and comfortable retail spaces at low rental rates. The project seeks to improve local socioeconomic conditions through accessible microbusiness infrastructure.
On the AKM awards, Nga announced that they are open to all KPKT and local council staff, with top prizes including RM20,000 in cash, certificates of appreciation and trophies. Selected winners will also be offered short courses at Harvard University and Melbourne Business School.
Meanwhile, the AKeMedia 2025 awards are open to all local media practitioners submitting published work between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025. Winners will receive trophies and RM3,000 in cash prizes.
Entries for both awards open today and close on 16 September. - May 20, 2025