Malaysia’s domestic trade ministry finalising targeted sugar subsidy mechanism for cabinet approval, following cooking oil subsidy reforms.
SHAH ALAM: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is finalising a proposal for a targeted sugar subsidy mechanism to be presented to the Cabinet soon.
Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh confirmed several recommendations have been included in the proposal but declined to disclose details ahead of the cabinet presentation.
“We are completing several proposals to ensure the targeted sugar subsidy mechanism can be implemented effectively,” she told reporters after launching the Buy Malaysian Products Campaign at Lotus’s Setia Alam.
Fuziah said the ministry will present the proposal for cabinet consideration once ready.
The announcement follows Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying’s recent statement in Parliament about reviewing gradual implementation of targeted subsidies for essential goods.
Lim had said the government would conduct detailed studies to ensure subsidies reach those truly in need without burdening the people.
When asked if the mechanism would apply to cooking oil, Fuziah confirmed the ministry will continue providing subsidised 1kg cooking oil packets.
She noted the monthly quota of 60,000 tonnes supplied to local markets remains unchanged.
The eCOSS mobile app requiring consumers to scan QR codes when purchasing subsidised cooking oil has helped reduce misuse by ineligible buyers including foreigners.
“Malaysians can still buy subsidised cooking oil packets, but they must scan the eCOSS QR code,” Fuziah said.
This ensures subsidies reach the right people while preventing leakage to unintended recipients. – Bernama
