No need to panic buy, says Muhyiddin
Rice, milk powder and instant noodles have been flying off supermarket shelves since this morning as Malaysians start to hoard supplies after coronavirus infections spiked over the last few days.
A survey at supermarkets in the Klang Valley and Penang found shoppers pushing multiple carts filled to the brim with dry goods and toiletries.
Many shoppers denied they were “panicking” but said they “were just getting prepared” in case the government announces a lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19.
In the supermarket, shelves that would normally be stocked with wet wipes, hand wash and diapers were bare.
Powdered milk, instant noodles, biscuits and eggs were also running out.
Pharmacies had run out of large-sized hand sanitisers, while some outlets were selling the small 70ml bottles for up to RM40 a piece.
All through the day, various groups have urged the government to impose a lockdown.
Countries such as China, Italy, Spain and Iran have enforced lockdowns in certain cities as the virus rampage across their populations.
Other countries such as Thailand and Australia have also seen panicked residents emptying supermarket shelves of dried food while fights have broken out over toilet rolls.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the public need not resort to panic buying as there is enough food to go around for everyone.
He said the government will ensure that there is enough supply of essential food to meet the demands of the people.
He added that the Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Ministry has been tasked with ensuring that essential food items will be available to the public.
“We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and the Agriculture Ministry is also working with producers to ensure supply needs are met,” he told the media after chairing the National Economic Council meeting to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak.
He urged consumers to do what is necessary and stop what is unnecessary.
He added that the government will ensure that food is available for “you at all times”.
“All those involved in selling essential food items to the public will remain open,” he said when commenting on the reported panic buying of food and other items by the public.
Muhyiddin said the government will constantly monitor the situation to ensure there is enough supply.
He said workers forced to go on unpaid leave due to Covid-19 virus will receive monthly cash aid of RM600 for a period of six months.
“This will apply to workers who were given no paid leave notice beginning March 1 and are eligible for the Employment Insurance Scheme (EIS) and receive a salary not exceeding RM4,000 monthly,” he said, adding that it is part of the economic stimulus package
He said 33,000 workers are eligible for it and the government has set aside RM120 million to meet this commitment.
“We are also aware of the shortage of ventilators to help Covid-19 patients that have breathing difficulties.
“The Finance Ministry has provided funds to the Health Ministry to purchase them,” he said.
He said the Health Ministry has been tasked to purchase them from where they are available.
The Prime Minister said all major projects announced under Budget 2020 will proceed as planned, despite the Covid-19 impact on the economy.
He said the government will continue to have a responsible fiscal policy but projects such as MRT2, East Coast Rail Link and the Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) will go ahead.
The government will continue to promote business-friendly policies to attract local and foreign investment.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has called on the public to stop panic-buying as the practice only harms others and the overall economy.
Fomca said panic-buying creates shortages, which will in the end harm vulnerable groups.
“Secondly, panic-buying causes prices to increase substantially, as it causes the suppliers to increase prices to make excessive profits,” said its president Dr Marimuthu Nadason.
This year alone, 19 retailers have been prosecuted under the Anti-Profiteering Act for price-gouging, said Marimuthu.
“Panic-buying also creates a toxic environment. Shortages of parking spaces, long queues at cashiers, empty shelves and very anxious and fearful consumers, desperate to make their purchases.
“In fact, according to one report, in Malaysia, hoarding has driven a 800% increase in weekly sales of hand sanitisers.”
Fomca urged the government to provide timely and accurate information to the public on the virus situation in the country to reduce the public’s anxiety.
“If the government can address public fears and uncertainties, it can potentially reduce panic and last minute-buying,” he said, adding that the Health Ministry has done well in dealing with the virus.
“Fomca calls on all Malaysians, during this time of crisis, to trust the government in handling the situation, practise good hygiene and stop the panic-buying.
“With normal spending patterns, all essential foods and other items would be available, and prices would drop to ‘normal’.