KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) — Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet), in collaboration with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), has launched Malaysia’s pioneering grocery vending machine. This breakthrough offers a seamless and automated shopping experience, providing fresh produce, essential groceries, and other items like soy sauce, garlic, and canned goods—all available for purchase 24/7.
Vending machines have seen growing popularity in Malaysia, driven by consumer demand for cashless, contactless solutions. Initially limited to snacks and beverages, vending machines now cater to diverse products, from health supplements to skincare and fresh food. This evolution reflects the increasing shift toward automated retail experiences, especially in high-traffic areas like malls, airports, and hospitals.
According to Encik Firdaus Ghani, Senior Director of PayNet’s Government Digitalisation Division, “Consumers today value convenience, and the rise of vending machines is transforming how we shop for groceries. By introducing Malaysia’s first grocery vending machine, we’re aligning with global trends and digital advancements to reshape the grocery retail sector.”
Innovation Powered by DuitNow QR
This initiative serves as a proof of concept (PoC), designed to help FAMA evaluate consumer behavior, test the operational viability of fresh produce vending, and assess scalability. The vending machine operates entirely on a cashless system, using DuitNow QR and other digital payment options for easy and secure transactions.
The launch is a part of PayNet and FAMA’s broader digital transformation strategy, aiming to modernize grocery shopping while boosting accessibility and efficiency. Automated grocery vending promises to lower operational costs and bring fresh produce to consumers with ease.
Plans for Expansion
Should the pilot prove successful, FAMA plans to deploy additional vending machines in areas where access to fresh groceries is limited. Agrobazaars will manage the restocking and monitoring of the machines, ensuring fresh supplies are consistently available.
Encik Shahrizan Bin Sudiman, Deputy Director-General (Food Security & Operations) of FAMA, emphasized, “Vending machines are pivotal in enhancing market access and modernizing the retail of groceries. This technology allows agropreneurs to sell directly to consumers, reducing reliance on traditional retail and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.”
With the growing demand for contactless, 24/7 shopping options, PayNet and FAMA are at the forefront of reshaping Malaysia’s grocery retail experience.
