KPKT To Lodge Police Reports Over Fake News On MyKiosk Project - Nga

PUTRAJAYA, May 20 (Bernama) -- The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will file police reports and complaints to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (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 (JKT) to identify the individuals or 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 told the media after the pre-launch ceremony of the Minister's Excellence Awards (AKM) and Media Excellence Awards (AKeMedia) 2025 here today.

Nga said the 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 Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to intervene and investigate the MyKiosk project, Nga said he is ready to cooperate if an investigation is conducted.

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

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

On claims that the cost of MyKiosk units is too high, Nga 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 KPKT, so contractors must offer a price lower than the ceiling,” he said.

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

KPKT’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 AKM, Nga said the awards are open to KPKT and PBT personnel, with winners receiving 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 AKeMedia 2025, 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 RM3,000 cash prize.

The AKeMedia 2025, organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Press Institute, aims to recognise and elevate the continued role of media in interpreting KPKT’s key agenda.

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

-- BERNAMA