PENAMPANG (July 6): The failure of the MyKiosk initiative in Donggongon, Penampang has raised serious concerns.
Political secretary to Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, Pritchard Gumbaris calls it a “poorly planned, rushed and burdensome project that is failing the very people it was meant to help.”
“What was meant to empower small traders has become a showcase of neglect. The MyKiosk area is leaking, poorly located, lacks basic infrastructure like water and cleanliness, and traders are being charged up to RM350 per month after paying a RM1,050 deposit. This is not assistance — it’s punishment,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Pritchard revealed that upon inspection of 10 kiosks at the Donggongon site, only two were in use — while the rest were empty.
“This is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong. Traders are either unable or unwilling to operate in these conditions. Why build kiosks no one can use? This is a waste of public funds.
“One trader told me his kiosk leaks when it rains. MPP’s (Penampang Municipal Council) response was to cover it with tape. He has no access to piped water and has to buy water daily from a nearby dispenser just to run his business. This is what they’re forced to deal with.
“Some kiosks are placed far away near the riverbank at Jalan Kodundungan, where there’s almost no foot traffic. Others must compete directly with long-time vendors at the Donggongon market. These location decisions are disastrous. The traders are set up to fail, and their security is also at risk in these isolated spots.
“Despite claims by the federal ministry that rental is capped at RM300, traders here are being charged RM350 monthly, plus RM1,050 deposit — all for substandard infrastructure with no water and no drainage. Where is the fairness in this?” he asked.
Pritchard reminded the public that the majority of MPP councillors were appointed by DAP and UPKO, and elected assemblypersons — including those from the government bloc — sit in monthly MPP meetings.
“Why have these issues not been raised? Are they ignoring the suffering of the traders? These are their own constituents. Their silence is unacceptable.”
“Across the country, people are questioning the high cost of kiosk construction. When traders are left with leaking kiosks and no water — we have to ask: where did the money go?”
“These kiosks are within Kepayan constituency. These traders are her voters. As a DAP representative and colleague of Federal Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Jannie Lasimbang must speak up and act. We cannot afford silent bystanders.”
Pritchard also pointed out that there is not a single public dustbin at the kiosk site and the whole of Donggongon town.
“And yet we expect cleanliness? How can basic urban services be so badly neglected?”
He urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, MPP and relevant state authorities to act immediately:
1. Repair leaking kiosks and ensure they meet proper standards.
2. Install piped water access and improve drainage.
3. Provide public dustbins and regular cleaning of kiosk areas and Donggongon town.
4. Relocate kiosks in low-traffic and insecure zones.
5. Fully disclose the cost and contractors of kiosk construction.
6. Review and standardise rent and deposits fairly.
7. Ensure selection of genuine, local Penampang traders in need.
8. Hold local councillors and assemblypersons accountable for their role and inaction.
“The MyKiosk initiative was supposed to empower — not exploit — our people. Instead, it has become a glaring example of poor planning, failed oversight, and neglect. If the government truly champions micro-entrepreneurs, it must stop hiding behind press releases and start solving real problems on the ground,” added Pritchard.
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