211 companies deactivated from eCOSS for non-compliance

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 211 companies had their access to the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme System (eCOSS) deactivated as of Oct 30 for failing to comply with the terms and conditions governing the distribution and sale of subsidised packet cooking oil.

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry also recorded eight cases of violations involving the sale and purchase of subsidised packet cooking oil by foreigners following the introduction of the Mobile eCOSS system and the enforcement of related regulations on March 1.

According to the ministry, the implementation of eCOSS since 2023 has enabled the monitoring of distribution chains and transactions, as well as digital verification of users' identities through electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) and MyDigital ID.

A Cooking Oil Distribution Zoning Mechanism and a purchase limit of three packets per transaction have also been introduced to ensure adequate supplies and curb leakages.

"In this regard, to ensure that digitalisation does not hinder access, particularly for the elderly and those living in rural areas, the ministry will continue to refine and simplify transaction methods.

"One of the measures being implemented is the integration of eCOSS with the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme and the National Registration Department, allowing the national identity card (MyKad) to be used for verification during purchases," the ministry said in a parliamentary written reply.

It said the effectiveness and suitability of the digital mechanism would be evaluated before any consideration was given to extending it to other subsidised goods, while balancing efforts to curb leakages with the need to ensure convenient access for consumers.

Meanwhile, the ministry recorded 5,893 cases involving the leakage and misappropriation of diesel, petrol and cooking oil nationwide between January 2023 and Oct 31, with seized items valued at RM82.85 million.

Of the total, 2,763 cases involved diesel, with seizures valued at RM59.67 million, followed by 1,722 petrol-related cases (RM5.43 million) and 1,408 cases involving packet cooking oil (RM17.74 million).

The ministry said enforcement efforts would continue to be strengthened through intelligence-led operations, data utilisation, rigorous monitoring and strategic cooperation with other agencies, including through Op Tiris 4.0 (Bersepadu), which has been in force since March 16.