JOHOR BARU: Johor may become the first state to fully implement the upgraded Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) system, according to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
The system is currently being expanded in stages to include consumer-level tracking, ensuring that subsidised packet cooking oil reaches its intended recipients.
"Last year, we launched the eCOSS system, which records the distribution of subsidised cooking oil from manufacturers to retailers. However, it does not capture who buys the oil at the consumer level. So while we can trace it up to the retail level, leakages can still happen," Armizan said at a press conference following the launch of the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign.
The upgraded system includes a feature to monitor purchases at the consumer level, being piloted through Jualan Rahmah programmes nationwide.
"We have already upgraded the system to include that capability, but to ensure that it functions smoothly and doesn’t spark complaints from users, we will roll it out in phases.
"We started doing this around three or four months ago through several Jualan Rahmah programmes, where buyers must download the eCOSS app and scan a QR code when purchasing the subsidised oil.
"Earlier, I offered Johor to be the first state to fully implement the upgraded system, and it was met with a positive response, but before we roll this across the state, we must ensure that the system is stable," he said.
Armizan emphasised that the extension of the system does not mean the government is reducing subsidies or changing the existing monthly quota.
"I want to make it clear that if we decide to implement the system fully, it does not mean we are cutting subsidies. The quota remains the same.
"What we are doing is strengthening risk management to ensure that the subsidised oil is not misused or sold to unauthorised parties, especially non-citizens," he added.
Earlier in his speech, Armizan offered Johor to be the first state to fully implement the eCOSS system.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who was also at the event, later expressed his willingness to be the pilot for the initiative in his speech.
