By P. Chandra Sagaran
Ipoh City Council (MBI) was given a boost on the construction of kiosks after they received more then RM1.8 million from the Housing and Local Government Ministry in the second phase of the project for 2023 and 2024.
The setting up of the units is to prevent unlicensed petty traders and hawkers from carrying out their business, focusing on safety and comfort of the hawkers and customers.
It is also to standardize the designs and with a more organised space and environmental friendly.
This would also contribute to the beautification aspects of the city.
The project is to help small time hawkers to operate in a comfortable and safe site.
According to a statement by the council, the first phase of MyKiosk 1.0 a sum of RM825,000 for the construction of 55 units of the kiosks in 2023 were allocated.
Each kiosk cost an average of RM15,000 depending on the size and technical aspects.
All the units were assembled and placed at Meru last year. The units are equipped with solar panels to save electricity.
Under the second phase last year, an amount of RM1 million was allocated to build 40 units with about RM25,000 for each kiosk.
Of the number, 17 units have been operating at Jalan Jumbo Jet since this month.
Another 17 kiosks are undergoing defect repairs by the contractor before handing over to the council’s Facility Management Department to be tendered out to hawkers.
Site works are currently carried out for another six units at Jalan Ashby.
The MyKiosk 2.0 is an improved version of the earlier kiosks with increase capacity of the solar panels, design which is enhanced to stand weather and prevent leakages.
It is also designed to cater to the different types of business like Food & Beverage or multi purpose kiosks.
MyKiosk 1.O design is general while the MyKiosk 2.0 is flexible and focuses on the needs of the hawkers’ nature of business.
It is hoped that the kiosks would benefit the petty traders and hawkers directly while contributing to a more organised, clean surrounding and competition.
The council also appreciated the efforts of the ministry in developing the urban community through inclusive friendly hawkers approach.