The government hopes the issuance of a new version of the MyKad equipped with a QR code can be expedited to support the targeted subsidy programme for cooking oil.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the new identification card is expected to be introduced this year, giving consumers an additional option to purchase subsidised cooking oil using their MyKad.
He said current purchases of subsidised cooking oil are recorded through the QR code system under the eCOSS application, which requires users to download the application and complete transactions using their mobile phones.
“Currently, users need to download the application, make purchases and their transactions are recorded. We are now waiting for JPN to issue the new version of MyKad,” he said.
Armizan said the new MyKad would allow users to either scan a QR code through their phones or use the card itself for transactions, with purchase records captured digitally to improve monitoring.
He said the move would strengthen efforts to ensure subsidies are distributed more effectively and reach the intended recipients.
The minister was speaking during a press conference after launching the Kampung Angkat Madani programme at Kampung Sekalong, Menumbok, on Saturday.
Earlier, Armizan was asked to comment on recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) regarding the management of price controls and cooking oil subsidies under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).
He said efforts to improve the Cooking Oil Stabilisation Scheme (COSS) began in 2023 through the development of the eCOSS system, which aims to digitise the monitoring process.
Before the introduction of eCOSS, records involving subsidised cooking oil supplies from refineries to packaging companies, wholesalers and retailers were managed manually since COSS was introduced in 2007.
Armizan said the manual system created risks of manipulation, leakages and difficulties in monitoring subsidy claims due to the lack of digital records.
He explained that the first phase of eCOSS introduced in 2023 required transaction records throughout the supply chain, from refineries to retailers.
The system was further improved last year through the eCOSS application, allowing the government to record purchases made by end users.
He said having digital records would help authorities identify actual consumers and determine the future direction of the subsidy programme.
Armizan added that KPDN had also conducted internal reviews involving cooking oil packaging companies between December 2023 and June 2024, while taking into account reports from the National Audit Department and PAC.
He said all findings would be used to improve the implementation process and ensure the large allocation for subsidies benefits the people as intended.
The minister stressed that targeted subsidy reforms must be implemented gradually to prevent vulnerable groups from being negatively affected.
Meanwhile, Armizan welcomed PAC’s recommendation highlighting the importance of fully implementing the eCOSS system, saying the endorsement reflected the need to accelerate improvements in subsidy management.
He said the government remains committed to strengthening the system to ensure subsidised cooking oil distribution becomes more transparent, efficient and targeted.
