MyKiosk Programme to Empower Local MSMEs and Foster Economic Growth

Local Government Development Minister, Nga Kor Ming, unveiled the MyKiosk programme on July 28 as part of the Madani Economy framework, aiming to bolster local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by enhancing their competitiveness and business capabilities.

The MyKiosk programme centers around providing traders with numerous benefits, including access to kiosks at low rental rates, creating standardized and secure trading spaces to uplift the socio-economic status of local communities. Additionally, this initiative is expected to contribute to increased income for local authorities through the rental charges imposed on traders.

The government has allocated RM50 million to construct and upgrade 3,000 stalls and kiosks, granting small-scale vendors the opportunity to operate their businesses at strategic locations across the nation. Each kiosk unit, which includes solar panels, is estimated to cost between RM15,000 and RM20,000.

3,173 kiosks approved

To date, KPKT has approved 3,173 kiosks for 113 local authorities, amounting to RM49.14 million. Currently, 100 kiosks have been completed in five locations, including the Sepang Municipal Council, Kuala Langat Municipal Council, Kuala Pilah District Council, Seremban City Council, and Port Dickson Municipal Council.

Minister Nga emphasized that the MyKiosk programme aims to empower the bottom 40% (B40) group by providing opportunities for starting businesses and improving livelihoods. He highlighted that KPKT recognizes the significant contribution of small traders and believes that developing the microeconomy will have a positive impact on the national economy.

The Madani Economy framework, which encompasses the MyKiosk programme, is expected to foster economic growth, particularly by supporting the growth of SMEs. The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) praised the framework’s potential to invigorate the economy and drive growth in various industries, especially for SMEs.

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Challenges for SMEs

Samenta’s national president, Datuk William Ng, acknowledged that low-profit margins resulting from lagging labor productivity are a significant challenge for SMEs. He commended the government’s focus on addressing labor mismatch issues and incentivizing upskilling and lifelong learning, which could naturally lead to higher wages for employees and increased business profitability.

Agriculture and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, expressed strong support for the Madani Economy framework, emphasizing its potential to empower people and drive economic growth with positive impacts on the country’s GDP. The ministry is committed to aligning its programmes and activities to contribute to the realization of the framework’s aspirations.

As part of the framework, the ministry recognizes the importance of strategic planning to reduce reliance solely on primary commodity production and highlights the need to diversify into high-value downstream products. Fadillah affirmed the ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability through conservation and reforestation efforts aimed at preserving forest resources.

The Social and Economic Research Initiative (SERI) welcomed the agenda, describing it as a comprehensive approach to uplifting all segments of society. SERI emphasized the significance of addressing societal disparities and creating equal conditions and opportunities for all Malaysians, regardless of their ethnicity or social class, to flourish and succeed in the current global and local economic climate.

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