A Kuala Selangor nasi kukus vendor, Mohd Hermi Shahuddin, found his financial fortunes dramatically turn around after joining a government vending machine program launched under the People’s Income Initiative (IPR). Thanks to the program, Mohd Hermi’s monthly sales now comfortably surpasses RM14,000, a stark contrast to the volatile earnings he previously faced.
Previously, Mohd Hermi ran a roadside stall in Bandar Puncak Alam’s Phase 3 area. He also hustled to cater events nearby. However, this path was riddled with obstacles. Unpredictable weather conditions could dampen sales, unsold food meant a loss in profits, and caring for his disabled daughter sometimes forced him to close the stall. Sadly, all of these factors contributed to a monthly sales of less than RM8,000. The long hours and hard work simply weren’t translating into financial security for Mohd Hermi and his family.
That’s when the IPR’s vending machine program stepped in, offering Mohd Hermi a welcome change. The program, spearheaded by the Madani Government through the Economy Ministry in March last year, specifically targeted food entrepreneurs like Mohd Hermi through its Food Entrepreneur Initiative (Insan) category.
By joining the program, Mohd Hermi gained access to a vending machine, allowing him to sell his nasi kukus in a more stable and convenient manner. This shift not only improved his income significantly, but also likely provided him with more flexibility in managing his work hours.
Mohd Hermi and his wife, Fadilah Hanum Abu, 47, are now involved in a vending machine business at Kolej Angsana 2, UiTM Puncak Alam. They see their participation in the IPR programme as a success because they don’t need to spend any money on food preparation or rent for two years—the government covers these costs.
The vending machine offers a variety of foods cooked by the couple, including nasi lemak with fried chicken, pandan-flavored nasi lemak, beef kebab wraps, sausage rolls, meatball sets, chicken popcorn, and spicy chicken rice—all priced between RM2 to RM5. They rotate or restock the menu every six hours to ensure freshness and flavor.
Mohd Hermi feels the program benefits both entrepreneurs and customers. He appreciates the affordable and convenient food options it provides. The vending machine can also be monitored remotely, giving him more flexibility and time with his family.
Prof Dr Ahmad Taufek Abdul Rahman, the rector of UiTM Selangor branch (UCS), highlights that UCS is the first public university campus to introduce self-service vending machines through the IPR Insan programme, offering affordable food options priced between RM2 and RM5.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli initiated the launch of the IPR self-service machine programme in March last year. Through the Insan initiative, participants are granted access to a vending machine situated at a designated location, with the government undertaking the complete coverage of monthly rental fees, ranging from RM600 to RM800, for a duration of two years.
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