Malaysian Mosque Has A Rice-Dispensing ‘ATM’ For The Needy

‘ATM’ That Dispenses Rice For The Needy

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are the solution to cash-short days. But in a mosque in Malaysia, the machine solves a slightly different problem — food-short days.

The Al-Akram Mosque in Kuala Lumpur introduced a very special kind of ATM on Friday (15 Feb) — one that dispenses rice instead of money.

Source

“ATM Beras”, or Bahasa for “rice ATM”, is the first of its kind in Malaysia and dispenses rice for the needy. It works just as how any ATM would — tap a card and the rice falls out.

You can watch a demonstration here.

Rice for the needy

Only those from a group called “asnaf” – the poor and the needy – are eligible to claim the rice.

The rice is paid for the by zakat — donations made once a year by followers under the Islamic laws.

Visitors can also make a donation at the machine, with proceeds going to the purchasing of more rice.

Making life easier for the poor

Sometimes, the poor are reluctant to collect alms because they are afraid of being seen. With the rice ATM, they will be able to collect the rice more discreetly, and so probably more willingly.

Such initiatives are heartening to see. Hopefully, if it receives positive feedback, we’ll see similar ATMs for the needy popping up in Singapore.

 

Featured image from YouTube and FreeMalaysiaToday.

Russell CHAN

Recent Posts

4 winners split S$13M TOTO jackpot on 14 Nov, 1 winning ticket bought from Tong Aik Huat again

Tong Aik Huat also sold a winning ticket for the 21 Oct draw.

15 Nov 2024, 1:39 am

Online model seller in Japan scammed by buyer who returned different kit with pieces cut out

The seller was soured by the experience with Mercari, saying the platform only provided compensation…

14 Nov 2024, 6:57 pm

Woman in Indonesia steals formula milk by placing them between thighs

The woman walked away naturally despite the boxes between her thighs.

14 Nov 2024, 6:20 pm

Leopard in Thailand caught wriggling on zoo visitor’s pickup truck, netizens joke driver should bring it home

The leopard reportedly jumped off the truck once it saw zoo staff approaching.

14 Nov 2024, 5:53 pm

Motorist in M’sia crushed to death after container falls from trailer, lorry driver arrested

The trailer driver made a V sign for the media while being escorted to the…

14 Nov 2024, 5:42 pm