Will foreigners be banned from buying subsidised cooking oil from March 1?

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Foreigners to be Prohibited from Purchasing Subsidised Cooking Oil from March 1

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) intends to implement a regulation that will prohibit non-citizens from buying subsidised packaged cooking oil, with the enforcement date set for March 1. This measure is being introduced to ensure that the benefits of the subsidy are exclusively available to Malaysian citizens and to prevent foreign nationals from taking advantage of the programme.
Legal Framework Under Review

The proposed regulation is being established under the provisions of the Supply Control Regulations, drawing authority from Section 6 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Before this framework can be enforced, it will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers for review. This step is crucial for ensuring the legality and proper implementation of the ban.
Ensuring Subsidy Benefits for Citizens

The primary objective behind this forthcoming prohibition is to safeguard the subsidised cooking oil for the intended beneficiaries: Malaysian citizens. By restricting purchases by non-citizens, the ministry aims to prevent any potential exploitation of the subsidy scheme and ensure that these resources are directed towards supporting the domestic population.
Potential Integration with MyKasih Platform

In parallel with the enforcement of the ban, KPDN is exploring options to streamline the purchasing process for citizens. Discussions are underway with the Ministry of Finance regarding the potential integration of the MyKasih platform. This could serve as a method for citizens to acquire subsidised packaged cooking oil, possibly through methods that leverage existing identification systems.
Future Purchase Options and eCOSS Effectiveness

Looking ahead, consumers might be able to purchase subsidised cooking oil by simply scanning their identity cards, potentially eliminating the need for the eCOSS application. The successful use of MyKad in other initiatives, such as the Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) and Budi Madani RON 95, provides a precedent for such a system. Since its implementation in May 2025, the eCOSS system has recorded the sale of over 20.3 million packages of subsidised cooking oil, enabling the ministry to monitor purchases by citizens and make informed decisions about the programme.

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Will foreigners be banned from buying subsidised cooking oil from March 1?

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