BANGI: All local authorities must settle their debts to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) as failing to do so will affect public cleaning services, says Nga Kor Ming (pic).

The Housing and Local Government Minister said outstanding debts, which once totalled around RM500mil, have been reduced to about RM200mil through proactive efforts.

"We will take stronger action to recover the remainder," he said after officiating the 4th Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) convocation ceremony here yesterday, Bernama reported.

On the MyKiosk programme, Nga said investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed that there were no elements of power abuse or mismanagement in its implementation.

"The programme has proven effective, achieving a 95% occupancy rate as of September.

"The remaining 5% will be relocated to more suitable locations.

"We will also introduce MyKiosk 3.0 with a more attractive, solar-friendly and competitive design," he added.

The minister also said that so far, some 7,000 families, especially from the B40 group, as well as small traders and hawkers, have benefited from the initiative.

Meanwhile, Nga said the Sinar di Sebalik Tirai Besi (Light Behind Bars) programme demonstrates the government's commitment to giving inmates a second chance to rebuild their lives after serving their sentences.

He said the programme also helps reduce the country's reliance on foreign workers in the public cleansing sector.

"Some 1,100 'graduates' have completed the programme.

"The government believes every individual deserves a second chance," he said.

Nga said under the programme - a collaboration between SWCorp, the Skills Development Department and the Malaysian Prisons Department - participants receive a monthly allowance of RM500 and recognised skills certification.

Those who complete SKM Level 2 are eligible to apply for jobs with concession companies or local authorities.

"The ministry will continue to spearhead efforts to train more inmates to become skilled workers, in line with the national vision of producing graduates in Technical and Vocational Education and Training," he said.

At the convocation, 243 inmates received SKM Level 2 in Manual Public Cleaning Operations after eight months of training at 18 prison industrial vocational centres nationwide.

Five SWCorp officers also received SKM Level 3 in Executive Corporate Secretary through Recognition of Prior Achievement.