The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has initiated a formal investigation into potential corruption and misconduct allegations surrounding the tender award process for the MyKiosk project under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
MACC’s Senior Director of the Investigation Division, Datuk Zainul Darus, confirmed the commencement of the probe in an official statement today. “The investigation will primarily focus on identifying any elements of corruption or irregularities in the tender awarding process,” he stated.
Concurrently, MACC’s Governance Investigation Division has launched a parallel inquiry into the project’s administration. “Our investigation will thoroughly examine the entire governance process to verify compliance with established rules, systems, and procedures,” Zainul added.
The investigation follows an official complaint filed in May by Selangor MCA Youth, which raised concerns about the RM250 million project’s funding and implementation. The youth wing’s chief, Tan Jie Sen, highlighted that despite substantial government investment, only slightly more than 50% of the kiosks were currently occupied.
Further questions were raised by Pahang MCA Youth regarding the project’s cost efficiency, noting that the government’s expenditure of RM25,000 to RM34,000 per kiosk significantly exceeded the market price of approximately RM12,800 per unit.
In response, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming clarified that the higher cost figure encompassed comprehensive provisions including solar panels, ventilation systems, cooking facilities, transportation, installation, and site preparation. The minister firmly denied allegations labeling the initiative as a “white elephant,” describing such claims as entirely unfounded.
Demonstrating commitment to transparency, the ministry proactively submitted all relevant project documentation to MACC in May, even in the absence of a formal request from the anti-graft agency.
The MyKiosk initiative represents a key government program designed to provide standardized, secure, and affordable commercial spaces for rent, primarily targeting the B40 income group and micro, small, and medium enterprises. Official records indicate that as of December 2024, the program has approved 7,243 units across 133 local councils nationwide, directly benefiting over 7,000 families.
MACC has assured that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly and impartially in accordance with established protocols and legal frameworks.
