By: Aida Aziz
IPOH, Feb 24 — Foreign nationals will be prohibited from purchasing subsidised packet cooking oil beginning March 1.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali stated that the ban will be enforced under the Supply Control Regulations 1974, which is empowered by the Supply Control Act 1961.
“With this prohibition, we can ensure that the subsidy will benefit citizens and that no opportunity is given to foreign nationals,” he said.
Traders are also required to comply with the directive to ensure that the subsidy provided is channelled directly to Malaysians.
Purchases of the packet cooking oil must be made through the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme System (eCOSS) application and are strictly for household use.
He added that since May 2025, the eCOSS system has successfully recorded the sale of more than 20 million subsidised cooking oil packets among citizens.
“At the very least, we now have data on who is purchasing these packet cooking oils, and the direction of the programme can be determined based on data-driven decisions.
“That is our goal — to ensure that this subsidy, which involves a substantial financial allocation, can be sustained and truly benefit the people,” he said.
