Johor Consumers Give Positive Feedback On eCOSS Trial Run

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

JOHOR BAHRU, July 12 (Bernama) -- The Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (eCOSS), currently in its pilot phase in Johor, has received positive consumer feedback as an effective initiative to ensure subsidised cooking oil reaches those who truly need it.

The first eCOSS trial was conducted during the MADANI Rahmah Sales at Dewan Muafakat Kampung Bakar Batu today.

A Bernama survey found that members of the public generally welcomed the government’s move to curb leakages in the distribution of the commodity. 

Younger users described the mobile eCOSS app as user-friendly and easy to navigate, though senior citizens appeared to require some assistance. 

Asiah Saripan, 62, said officials from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) guided older participants like her on how to use the app. 

“I’m not very good with smartphones. This is something new, and it may take some time for seniors like me to get used to it,” said the housewife to Bernama. 

Meanwhile, Vivie Kassim Zuini, 42, said the eCOSS app, which only requires users to scan a QR code during purchase, helps prevent misuse and overbuying.

“I think it’s a great initiative. Previously, it was difficult to get subsidised cooking oil, especially at small grocery stores. This system is more organised, and we know it reaches the people who truly need it,” said the housewife.

J. Anitha, 38, added that eCOSS could help the government distribute the subsidised item more efficiently and transparently.

“We’re concerned about abuse. What’s meant for households is sometimes used by foreigners. This app helps ensure only eligible recipients get it,” said the flower vendor.

Earlier, a survey found that KPDN had set up a booth to assist the public in purchasing subsidised cooking oil.

For those without a phone or identification card, without an email account, who forgot their password, or whose device is incompatible with the eCOSS app, manual registration was made available as an alternative.

KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali was quoted as saying that Johor is expected to be the first state to fully roll out eCOSS to end users, enabling all purchases of subsidised cooking oil to be digitally recorded to curb leakages.

He said eCOSS verifies users’ identities through an e-KYC (Know Your Customer) process using MyKad, ensuring access to only eligible Malaysian citizens. 

The next eCOSS trial run in Johor is scheduled for tomorrow at the MADANI Rahmah Sales at Dewan Komuniti Kampung Dato’ Sulaiman Menteri.

-- BERNAMA