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UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has urged the Auditor-General to investigate the status of the project spearheaded by former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, warning that concerns over potential waste and inflated costs must be addressed transparently.
The call follows mounting criticism of the initiative, introduced under the People’s Income Initiative (Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat or IPR-INSAN), which aimed to help low-income groups generate additional earnings through automated food vending machines.
Launched in February 2023, the programme saw its first 100 machines begin operations in June the same year.
Puad said a thorough investigation was necessary to determine whether the project continues to deliver value or has resulted in inefficiencies.
"I urge the Auditor-General to investigate the status of the project. Is it still effective, not wasteful and free from any ‘mark-up’ in the procurement of the vending machines.
"Let it not become like the MyKiosk project under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Each kiosk costs RM25,000. It is expensive and wasteful as many kiosks remain empty," he said in a statement on Facebook.
The issue has also been amplified by criticism from within the government’s own ranks.
PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R Ramanan recently questioned the RM750 million project during a party convention, raising doubts about its success and value.
Puad noted that such criticism, voiced openly in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, underscored the seriousness of the concerns.
"Ramanan is a minister. His criticism of Rafizi’s project was made in front of the Prime Minister.
"It is no surprise he described Rafizi as the most unsuccessful minister. Ramanan considers the project a failure. That is why he dared to openly advise the Prime Minister to choose a truly qualified Economy Minister in the future," he said.
The renewed scrutiny highlights broader concerns over public spending and accountability, particularly for large-scale initiatives intended to support lower-income communities. - April 6, 2026