Cooking oil subsidy system tightened as 179 companies barred from eCOSS scheme

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has deactivated 179 companies from the Cooking Oil Price Stablisation Scheme System (eCOSS) for violating regulations and conditions.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh said they were continuing to improve efforts to ensure Malaysians would enjoy subsidised cooking oil through eCOSS, which is the main instrument in monitoring the distribution of one-kilogramme subsidised cooking oil packets.

The deactivated companies committed violations including not complying with the allowed storage limit,  selling above the allowed limit, selling to non-Malaysians, operating using expired licences and having dubious purchase-sales ratios.

“KPDN has also intensified enforcement to curb any attempt to misappropriate subsidies, including alleged identity or MyKad misuse by foreigners to purchase cooking oil packs that went viral on social media,” she said in a statement yesterday adding that 13,354 complaints and feedback were recorded in 2024, 5,320 in 2025 after the introduction of the eCOSS app.

A total of 9,050 complaints and feedback were recorded for 2026 till now, in line with the rising number users that now exceed 5.01 million people, she said, adding that every complaint received would be studied with necessary action taken.

Fuziah also said that the eCOSS system allowed for a more comprehensive monitoring of transactions encompassing the entire supply chain from manufacturers, packagers, wholesalers, retailers to consumers.

“Six cases involving the Control of Supplies Regulations (Prohibition on the Sale and Purchase of Controlled Goods) [Cooking Oil] 2026 violations were recorded, with three three cases involving the sale of subsidised packet cooking oil to non-citizens, with seized goods valued at RM65.

“The other three cases involved the purchase of subsidised packet cooking oil by non-citizens, with seized goods valued at RM15,180 and total fines amounting to RM7,000,” she said.

She assured that every report on identity misuse in the eCOSS app would be investigated thoroughly if an official complaint and sufficient evidence are provided.

She noted that the eCOSS app is equipped with several layers of security, including the use of electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) technology, which requires users to match a selfie with their identification document during registration to prevent identity misuse.

“Additionally, the app is integrated with MyDigital ID and cross-checked against the database of the National Registration Department to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of users’ identities,” she added.

Since the app’s pilot implementation on May 1, 2025, until June 10, 2026, more than five million Malaysians have registered through the app, with 91 million packets sold.

“KPDN believes that the increase in the number of users and digitally recorded transactions is a positive indicator that subsidy distribution is becoming more accurately targeted to the intended groups, while helping to reduce the risk of leakages.

“Those who suspect identity misuse or suspicious transactions are advised to immediately submit a report to KPDN through the eAduan Portal for further action. Complaints regarding the Mobile eCOSS application may also be submitted via email to support_ecoss@kpdn.gov.my,” she said. — Bernama