Hoang Tuan Anh, an entrepreneur in Ho Chi Minh City, has invented a 24/7 automatic dispensing machine providing free rice for those who need it most during the coronavirus pandemic.

The installation of rice ATMs in progress in Da Nang

Viet Nam has put in place nationwide social distancing measures since 1 April to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. As a result, non-essential businesses have been shuttered and thousands of people temporarily laid off from work.

Businessmen and donors have set up machines that dispense free rice to help those who are suddenly without income, in their localities.

Rice ATMs have been set up in some localities nationwide like Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh and Hue. 

Rice contained in a large water tank pours out into recipients' bags. Those waiting in line are required to stand 2 metres apart from each other, and they must use hand sanitizer before receiving their rice. A rice ATM provides 2 kilograms of free rice for those in need.

In Da Nang, two rice ATMs are being set up at Binh Thuan Ward’s Cultural House at 230 Trung Nu Vuong Street, Hai Chau District, and these machines are expected to put into use on 20 April. Two others will be set up in Son Tra and Cam Le districts in the coming time.

Till date, the Da Nang Young Entrepreneurs Association has received over 87 tonnes of rice, more than 115 million VND in cash, 2,900 face masks and 2 automatic hand sanitiser dispensers in donations for the operation of the first two machines in the city.

By MAI QUE - Translated by MAI DUNG