Malaysia cleans up street food scene with kiosks lit by solar power

Mr Syed Nurul Fakhri was selling nasi kandar under a flimsy canopy in Petaling Jaya city for five years, setting up his stall in the mornings and packing things up in the evenings to avoid his utensils from being stolen overnight.

- Hazlin Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR -

That routine changed a month ago when he received the keys to a new kiosk, solar-powered with LED lights and a lockable door, in the same area.

"I am very thankful for the kiosk," the 45-year-old told The Straits Times. "I can lock up my things. They won't go missing."

The clean surroundings, where similar kiosks have also been set up by the Malaysian government, have helped sales of his nasi kandar, or rice served with curries and other dishes.

The monthly rent of RM120 (S$36) is "reasonable", he said, adding that it is early days yet. His takings were as much as RM500 a day previously.

He is among thousands of Malaysian street hawkers who are giving the shiny new food kiosks a try, with the government sinking RM150 million into MyKiosk.

The project was launched in 2023 to give small traders the opportunity to run their businesses legally, in a standardised, safe and hygienic environment, as well as relocating them to more strategic locations.

The project's main promoter is the hard-charging Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who said the government is giving a leg up to small traders, many of whom operate in unregulated conditions.

Street hawkers all over the country often set up makeshift stalls by the roadside, selling drinks, banana fritters and fried noodles, among other things.

"With MyKiosk, we are 'legalising' their businesses by offering free rental for the first six months and (thereafter) a maximum rental rate of RM10 per day," Mr Nga said in May.

Vendor Mohd Azizan, who rents a kiosk in the same location in Selangor state as Mr Syed Nurul, said: "Customers say the place looks clean and attractive. This is better and more comfortable for me too."