Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) have launched the country’s first grocery vending machine.

The machine offers fresh fruits and grocery staples like soy sauce, garlic, and canned goods, providing a 24/7, cashless, and contactless shopping option.

This initiative reflects the growing prevalence of vending machines in Malaysia, now commonly found in high-traffic areas like malls, airports, and hospitals, and increasingly offering diverse products beyond traditional snacks and drinks—including health supplements and skincare items.

The machine accepts DuitNow QR and other digital payment methods.

FAMA will use this pilot project to study consumer behavior and the operational efficiency of vending technology for fresh groceries, assessing not just expansion but also scalability and potential cost reductions in grocery retail.

The initiative is part of PayNet and FAMA’s broader push for digital transformation in agriculture and retail, exploring how automation can enhance accessibility while lowering operational costs.

If successful, FAMA plans to expand the programme to other locations, especially in areas with limited access to fresh produce.

Agrobazaars will be responsible for restocking and maintaining the machines.

PayNet and FAMA believe this initiative modernises grocery shopping, improves access to fresh food, and offers an innovative approach to retail.

“Consumers today prioritise convenience, and vending machines are transforming how we access food and groceries.

By launching Malaysia’s first grocery vending machine, we are embracing this global trend while integrating digital payments and automation to reshape fresh grocery retail,”

said Firdaus Ghani, Senior Director of PayNet’s Government Digitalisation Division.

“Vending machines play a crucial role in expanding market access and modernising grocery retail.

With this technology, agropreneurs can sell their produce directly to consumers without relying on traditional retail channels, thereby enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the agricultural marketing ecosystem,”

said Shahrizan Bin Sudiman, Deputy Director-General (Food Security & Operations) of FAMA.

Featured image: (From the left) Mohd Sharizan Bin Mansor, Director of Market Institution Division, FAMA; YBrs. Encik Shahrizan Bin Sudiman, Deputy Director General (Food Security & Operations), FAMA; Farhan Ahmad, GCEO, PayNet.