SUNGAI PETANI: Ten self-service medication vending machines have been installed in Sungai Petani, Kulim and Alor Setar as part of the second cluster of the Community Well-Being Programme (PKS) launched today by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KEDA general manager Ismasuhaimi Shariff stated that PKS is a specialised programme under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) aimed at extending profit-sharing benefits to target groups, including the elderly, disabled individuals and those with limited mobility. In 2021, KEDA appointed D’Sara Fried Chicken as the project manager for the first cluster, with an allocation of RM300,000 benefiting 30 recipients across Kedah. Under the second cluster launched today, KEDA has appointed Farmasi Klebang Restu as the project manager, with an allocation of RM250,000 for 25 beneficiaries across the state.

Of the 10 vending machines, seven are placed in selected pharmacies, while the remaining three are located in
public premises. Farmasi Klebang Restu has identified 10 locations, including six in Sungai Petani: Farmasi Ambangan (Bandar Amanjaya), Farmasi Lily (Bandar Laguna Merbok and Kota Kuala Muda), Farmasi Batik (Taman Batik), and Farmasi Umar (Bandar Puteri Jaya and Taman Ria Jaya). In Alor Setar, the selected locations are Farmasi Semut Gajah in Kota Sarang Semut and Dobi Kota Kedah on Jalan Langgar. In Kulim, two machines have been placed at Dewan Kulim Hindu Sabha on Jalan Serindit.

The vending machines dispense commonly sought medications, including those for fever, diarrhoea, cough and deworming. This provides an option for the public to access medicines during emergencies or outside pharmacy operating hours. However, for more detailed treatment, they should consult a doctor at a clinic or hospital.

Meanwhile, 30 families received dividend payments for the second quarter of this year, amounting to RM1,000 each. Ismasuhaimi said dividends are distributed once every three months. He expressed hope that these
dividend payments help ease the financial burden and the high cost of living, urging recipients to make full use of the dividends distributed today. For the second cluster, the project manager expects dividends to be paid to recipients by the first quarter of 2025.