By Diana Abd Wahab
PETALING JAYA, March 28 — Vending machines are being used to promote programmes introduced by the state government to the residents in Bandar Utama by providing food assistance to the underprivileged (B40) group.
Its state assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the machine serves as a double-edged sword providing the target group with information and assistance.
“Two self-service vending machines that are placed at Pangsapuri Kayu Ara provide basic goods and personal care items that can be bought with e-wallets. A screen display is also used to promote state government initiatives.
“With this initiative, the public, especially the B40 group, will find it easier to obtain the information needed. Among the programmes promoted are Skim Mesra Usia Emas (SMUE), Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (Bingkas), Skim Insurans Am Selangor (INSAN) and Rumah Selangorku,” she told the press at the launch of the vending machines at Pangsapuri Kayu Ara, Bandar Utama, here yesterday.
She said her office has allocated RM30,000 by crediting RM100 into the e-wallet accounts of 100 recipients for the first three months of the machine's operation.
She said her office had allocated RM30,000 by depositing RM100 into the e-wallet accounts of 100 recipients for the first three months of the machine's operation.
“Through this pilot project, we installed two machines that include 19 food items, 45 items for personal care, and medications.
“This is convenient for the recipient because they may use the e-wallet to buy the things they need whenever they want because it is open 24 hours a day,” she said.
