PETALING JAYA: Strict monitoring under the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS) has kept subsidised packet cooking oil supply under control, with no oversupply reported, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Its deputy minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said all packaging companies are fully utilising their allocated quotas.
“We will take the necessary measures should there be any significant reduction in claims relative to the approved quotas.
“As of now, the subsidised cooking oil that is distributed is still limited to a maximum of three packets per transaction and is strictly for Malaysian citizens only.”
The eCOSS mobile application, introduced in July last year, is used to track and monitor the distribution of 1kg subsidised cooking oil packets.
Fuziah said the system is important to prevent excessive purchases and ensure supplies remain sufficient and readily available to those who need them most.
She said the government also recognises the needs of small and micro traders in supporting business sustainability.
“They are allowed to purchase the oil, but the sale of subsidised cooking oil to restaurants is not permitted.
“The oil is only meant for household consumption and eligible micro-business operators,” she said.
Nearly a year after eCOSS was implemented, she said the mechanism is delivering the intended results.
“The system has enhanced the efficiency of supply chain monitoring and has also significantly reduced leakages and abuse of subsidies that previously undermined the effectiveness of assistance provided to the targeted groups.
“So far, a total of 179 companies have been deactivated from the system following findings that they had breached the stipulated terms and regulations.”
The offences included failure to comply with permitted storage limits, sales beyond approved thresholds, selling subsidised cooking oil to non-citizens, operating with expired licences and maintaining suspicious purchasing-to-sales ratios.
According to Fuziah, more than five million users have registered and actively use the application.
She said the ministry had received various feedback including 5,320 complaints last year.
As for this year, she said about 9,050 complaints and feedback had been received so far.
“The ministry will continue to ensure that the subsidised cooking oil programme is implemented in a transparent and effective manner so that its benefits reach the intended target groups.
“The cooperation of all stakeholders, including consumers and traders, remains essential in achieving this objective ... and the long-term sustainability of the nation’s subsidy framework.”
