SHAH ALAM: Local authorities across Selangor are being urged to reassess the placement of MyKiosk units, amid growing concerns that they pose safety hazards and fail to attract the intended traders and customers.

Selangor's local government and tourism committee chairman, Datuk Ng Suee Lim, announced that local authorities have been given three months to monitor the situation.

"If local authorities find the placement of MyKiosk is unsuitable—either obstructing pedestrian walkways or not attracting customers—they can relocate the kiosks," he said during the Selangor State Assembly sitting on Wednesday (July 9).

Ng observed that some successful applicants are merely "a flash in the pan," as they either operate the kiosks for a short time or occupy them without sincere commitment.

"If such situations persist for several months, we might consider replacing the operator," he added, noting the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is targeting a 90% occupancy rate by August.

He was responding to Dr Afif Bahardin (PN-Taman Medan), who asked about efforts to fill MyKiosks given the low occupancy over the past year.

Dr Afif highlighted resident complaints about empty kiosks becoming mosquito breeding grounds, obstructing pathways, and the prohibitive deposit of RM2,000 to RM3,000 deterring applicants.

Ng said he would review the deposit rate but explained that deposits are necessary to ensure traders maintain their kiosks.

"Commitment from operators to care for MyKiosk is part of the cooperation between traders and local authorities," he explained.

In response to Dr Afif's inquiries about the number of MyKiosk units and the budget, Ng reported that 1,028 MyKiosk units, costing RM20.33mil, have been distributed across Selangor.

"Taman Medan has the most units at 123, followed by Kota Damansara with 85 and Kota Anggerik with 75 units," he said.

Of the total cost, RM19,508,520.56 was funded by a ministry allocation. The remaining RM822,211 was covered by local authorities for site preparation, tailored to each location's specific conditions.

On average, constructing a MyKiosk unit costs RM19,785.80, including structure and site preparation.

"The MyKiosk initiative provides better, cleaner, and more organised facilities for traders and addresses issues like hawkers trading in high-risk or unsuitable locations such as roadsides and pavements, which contribute to traffic congestion and safety issues," said Ng.

"It also expands entrepreneurial opportunities for small-scale traders, micro-entrepreneurs, and low-income communities."