ECOSS PILOT PROJECT SET TO LAUNCH THIS YEAR TO REGULATE SUBSIDISED COOKING OIL SALES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) – The Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) pilot project is expected to be implemented this year to regulate the sale of subsidised cooking oil at the retail level, said Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister, Fuziah Salleh.

Fuziah said the electronic eCOSS system is being developed to monitor the distribution of packet cooking oil from packaging companies to wholesalers and retailers, ensuring it reaches only the intended target groups.

“Currently, we lack a system at the retail level to track sales to consumers. Therefore, we are developing it and will initiate the pilot project this year.

“Consumers may need to use the system by scanning a QR code or through another method to prevent foreigners from purchasing subsidised cooking oil,” she said during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin, who raised concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement in preventing the hoarding and misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil.

Fuziah added that the government would increase the supply of packet cooking oil under the Rahmah Sales programme, ensuring more targeted groups benefit from the subsidy.

Additionally, stricter supply control measures are in place, including a maximum purchase limit of three packets per consumer and a zonal system in Sabah and Sarawak that restricts packagers to selling only within designated areas.

According to Fuziah, between Jan 1, 2024 and  March 18, 2025, a total of 605 cases involving subsidised cooking oil were recorded, including nine incidents of hoarding, resulting in the seizure of 3,655 kilogrammes.

-- BERNAMA