TARGETED SUGAR SUBSIDY MECHANISM TO BE PRESENTED TO CABINET SOON - FUZIAH

SHAH ALAM, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is finalising a proposal on the mechanism for a targeted sugar subsidy, which will soon be presented to the Cabinet.

Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said several recommendations have been included in the proposal, but details cannot be disclosed yet as the ministry is waiting for the Cabinet presentation process.

“We are completing several proposals to ensure the targeted sugar subsidy mechanism can be implemented effectively.

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“Once ready, the ministry will present the proposal for the Cabinet’s consideration,” she told reporters after launching the Buy Malaysian Products Campaign at Lotus’s Setia Alam here today.

Also present were KPDN Domestic Trade Development deputy secretary-general Datuk Roziah Abudin and KPDN Enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam.

During the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Nov 3, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the government is reviewing the gradual implementation of targeted subsidies for essential goods such as sugar, rice and cooking oil to prevent leakages.

According to Lim, the move will be carried out after a detailed study to ensure the aid reaches those who truly need it without burdening the people.

Commenting on whether the mechanism will also apply to cooking oil, Fuziah said the ministry will continue providing subsidised 1kg cooking oil packets, with a quota of 60,000 tonnes supplied to the local market each month.

She said the use of the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme System (eCOSS) mobile app, which requires consumers to scan a QR code when making purchases, has helped reduce misuse by ineligible buyers, including foreigners.

“Malaysians can still buy subsidised cooking oil packets, but they must scan the eCOSS QR code. This ensures that the subsidies reach the right people,” she said.

-- BERNAMA