Aminuddin (second from right) speaking to traders during the MyKiosk launch alongside state local government development, housing and transport committee chairman J. Arul Kumar (right). — Bernama
TO GENERATE and improve income and socio-economic conditions, Negri Sembilan is expected to be alloted 144 MyKiosk units this year.
The kiosk units are aimed at assisting local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those operated by the B40 group.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said traders benefitted from the units as these were more comfortable spaces for business operations and had a monthly rental rate from as low as RM150.
The state received 187 MyKiosk units last year.
According to Aminuddin, Seremban was given 70 units which made it the district with the highest number of MyKiosk units.
He said the district was expected to receive 50 units this year.
He urged all local authorities in Negri Sembilan to facilitate the application process for traders so that the kiosks could be put to optimal use.
“This MyKiosk is good; traders can conduct business comfortably, and the uniformity and neatness of these kiosks make them more attractive and organised,” he noted.
Aminuddin told reporters this after launching the units at the MyKiosk Site in Jalan Dato’ Syeikh Mohd Murtadza, Sikamat, a small town in Seremban district, as reported by Bernama.
The launch was also attended by Seremban mayor Datuk Masri Razali.
Aminuddin also advised local authorities to ensure the kiosks were promptly taken up by traders and to choose strategic locations for their placement.
He also urged agencies to monitor the businesses so that traders did not leave the kiosks vacant.
Meanwhile, Masri said the solar-powered MyKiosk, measuring 0.9x0.9 sq m, cost an estimated RM15,000 per unit.
He said Seremban City Council (MBS) also offered a three-month exemption on rental fees from the date of the offer letter and a one-off RM300 assistance grant.
“MBS has set some conditions. Tenants are not allowed to employ non-citizens, modify the kiosk or sublet the premises, and they cannot close or leave their businesses for more than seven consecutive days,” he said.
Meanwhile, traders Nori’asah Khalid, 58, and Norhayati Daud, 59, who sell banana fritters and pastries, said the government’s initiative in providing the MyKiosk units was practical and helped small traders, especially those who sell food.
“Previously, I brought a tent and tied it to a tree to do business, but with this kiosk, it is better and more comfortable to do business,” said Nori’asah, who has been trading in Sikamat for over 20 years.
Norhayati said the solar-powered MyKiosk also provided convenience and saved on electricity usage.
Housing and Local Government Ministry launched the MyKiosk initiative last year to empower the people towards realising the Madani economy.