Cooking oil app gets thumbs up at first trial in JB

Vivie Kassim says eCOSS is a great initiative as it was previously hard to get subsidised cooking oil.

THE Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS), currently in its pilot phase in Johor, has received positive consumer feedback as an effective initiative to ensure subsidised cooking oil reaches those who truly need it.

The first eCOSS trial was conducted during the Madani Rahmah Sales at Dewan Muafakat Kampung Bakar Batu in Johor Baru.

A Bernama survey found the public generally welcoming the government’s move to curb leakages in the distribution of the commodity. 

Above: Asiah says officers helped those who are not tech-savvy.

Younger users described the mobile eCOSS app as user-friendly and easy to navigate, although senior citizens appeared to require some assistance. 

Asiah Saripan, 62, said officials from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) guided older participants like her on how to use the app. 

“I am not very good with smartphones.

“This is something new, and it may take some time for seniors like me to get used to it,” added the housewife. 

Vivie Kassim Zuini, 42, said the eCOSS app, which only required users to scan a QR code during purchase, helped prevent misuse and overbuying.

“I think it’s a great initiative. Previously, it was difficult to get subsidised cooking oil, especially at small grocery stores.

“This system is more organised and we know it reaches the people who truly need it,” said the housewife.

Left: KPDN officer Mohd Zulkiffli Sulaiman (second from right) explaining the eCOSS app to a customer during the Madani Rahmah Sales at Dewan Muafakat Kampung Bakar Batu. — Photos: Bernama

J. Anitha, 38, said eCOSS could help the government distribute the subsidised item more efficiently and transparently.

“We’re concerned about abuse.

“What’s meant for households is sometimes used by foreigners.

“This app helps ensure only eligible recipients get it,” said the flower vendor.

Earlier, a survey found that KPDN had set up a booth to assist the public in buying subsidised cooking oil.

For those without a phone, identification card, e-mail account or who forgot their password or whose device was incompatible with the eCOSS app, manual registration was made available as an alternative.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali was quoted as saying that Johor was expected to be the first state to fully roll out eCOSS to end users, enabling all purchases of subsidised cooking oil to be digitally recorded to curb leakages.

He said eCOSS verified users’ identities through an e-KYC (Know Your Customer) process using MyKad, ensuring access to only eligible Malaysians.