Rafizi said those who have generated sufficient monthly income through the programme could look to venture into other business models, Bernama reported.

For example, those who participate in the food entrepreneur initiative (Insan) scheme – which involves selling ready-made food through vending machines – could set up their own warungs once they have sufficient capital.

“After they’ve moved on to other business models, such as their own food stalls, the opportunity (to take part in IPR) will be opened to others.

“If this is done nationwide, we would have created a mechanism to help the hardcore poor and the B40 income group in a more sustainable manner,” he said.

The minister added that this scheme was not like previous programmes introduced by the government, as it ensured that participants who qualified for the programme were actually interested in boosting their income.

Rafizi said Insan participants only need to fund the costs to produce the food and will not be charged for the rental of the vending machines nor the electricity to run them.

“This will help to ensure that the goods are sold cheap, between RM1 to RM5.”

He said Putrajaya was aiming to set up 100 self-service IPR vending machines at locations like LRT stations in the Klang Valley and universities nationwide. He added that 1,100 “strategic partners” have expressed interest in providing the vending machines.

The RM750 million IPR programme involves three initiatives – agro entrepreneur initiative (Intan), service operator initiative (Ikhsan) and Insan.

It was previously reported that an estimated 150,000 people were expected to benefit from the initiatives to boost their income.