Kuching: DAP Sarawak Chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has voiced concerns over the poor implementation and sustainability of the MyKiosk initiative at Tabuan Jaya, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
Chong pointed out that while the MyKiosk programme was a well-intentioned policy by the MADANI Government to support small traders and hawkers, its current execution is deeply flawed.
“The lack of interest is due to the initial restrictions set by MBKS. They only allowed fruits to be sold at the kiosks – even though there were already hawkers nearby selling fruits, vegetables, and plants.”
“Limiting vendors to selling only fruits is not sustainable. It has been over half a year, yet the governance remains inefficient and unclear,” he said.
Chong further noted that the MyKiosk project at Tabuan Jaya was federally funded, while MBKS was responsible for the construction tender process.
“It’s a good policy, but the local government has messed up the execution,” Chong added, calling for better implementation at the local level.
Chong suggested a more balanced approach, including allowing vendors to sell a wider variety of goods, quickly open applications for interested hawkers and better allocation of space – including provisions for customer parking.
According to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), the planning and execution of the MyKiosk project fall fully under the jurisdiction of the respective local authorities (PBTs).
