(From right), Chow, Lee and Seri Setia assemblyman Halimey Abu Bakar chatting with residents during the launch of the vending machines. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
In just three simple steps, Desa Mentari residents can buy non-perishable items and daily necessities from vending machines stationed at their flats in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, who launched the artificial intelligence (AI) cashless vending machines at Block 5 of the flats, said the machines were a step to digitalise certain processes for the B40 group.
“With this, food aid for the needy will not need to be channelled through food baskets.
“Instead, credits will be given to eligible residents to buy their preferred items from the vending machines,” he told reporters during the launch.
Three machines located on the ground floor of Block 5 are said to provide 240 different items such as beverages and toothpaste besides selected over-the-counter medicine.
The vending machines also enable residents to purchase motorcycle insurance with their smartphones.
The machines appeared to be an instant hit at the launch, with many onlookers lining up to try them out.
The project is a collaboration with Allegra Technologies Sdn Bhd, a social enterprise that has previously installed similar vending machines in Kuala Lumpur to serve B40 communities.
Lee said that prior to setting up the machines, his office had determined that most of the people at Desa Mentari used smartphones.
“For those who do not have such a device, the community head here can help them out,” he said, adding that the joint management body of the flats would be tasked with taking care of the machines.
Lee said his office would allocate RM10,000 in the form of credit aid for needy residents to make their purchases.
In addition to providing the software for the machines, Allegra Technologies managing director Chow Ka Mun said the company also ensured residents were able to buy the items at slightly cheaper prices.
“We act as an intermediary to stretch the residents’ ringgit by providing more value to their purchases,” he said.
(From right), Chow, Lee and Seri Setia assemblyman Halimey Abu Bakar chatting with residents during the launch of the vending machines. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Lee (second from right), Chow (right) and Seri Setia assemblyman Halimey Abu Bakar (third from right) having a light moment with residents during the launch of the vending machines. -LOW LAY PHON/The Star Photos by LOW LAY PHON
A resident using his smartphone to pay for his purchases at the vending machine.
A resident uses his smartphone to pay for his purchases at the vend9ing machine. -LOW LAY PHON/The Star
