Panic buying unnecessary, Brunei shoppers told

Guardian Brunei’s stock levels remain healthy, especially for items such as sanitisers, antiseptic handwash, vitamins, as well as home and personal hygiene products. - BB

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Following the announcement of community cases in Brunei on Aug 7, shops – both physical and online – are again witnessing a spike in the sales of face masks, sanitisers and antibacterial products.

BWorld365 Sdn Bhd Director Jahiz Ikmal, from local online shop healthybeauty365bn, said that they have been receiving a good number of orders for hand sanitisers and antibacterial products, along with health supplements, particularly Vitamin C.

“On the question of stock, we’ve been able to meet demands, while suppliers have been very supportive and helpful in replenishing them,” he said.

“We are looking to expand the range of these products to cater to customers’ demands. In view of the current situation, we encourage customers to opt for online payments via credit or debit cards, the Pocket App and bank transfers.”

Jahiz added, “I also think it’s good for us to take heed of the advice from Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, on buying sufficiently for ourselves and to not hoard supplies. The sudden short-term increase in demand may also be unhealthy for the market and could affect retailers and suppliers negatively.”

Meanwhile, Guardian Brunei Head of Business Jennifer Yang said that the surge in traffic volume last Saturday took them by surprise, especially customers looking for disposable face masks.

She, however, added that the volume soon eased with stricter regulations on movement and travel, as well as the Work From Home (WFH) requirements.

“With tighter restrictions expected in the next few weeks, we also expect sales to slow down. Our stock levels remain healthy, especially for items such as sanitisers, antiseptic handwash, vitamins, as well as home and personal hygiene products,” she told the Bulletin.

Although their stock of disposable masks was impacted by the recent surge in demand, Yang reassured customers they will be getting stock replenishments from its sister company, Guardian Malaysia, by early next week.

To give customers the best value, the company is seeking to expand its range of products with its own-brand products.

“These are challenging times, we understand our customers’ concerns. However, being part of DFI Retail Group, Asia’s leading multi-format retailer, we have a diversified supplier strategy, with close relationships with our suppliers across the world.

“We understand the public’s concern and the tendency to buy more to stock up, but we assure our customers and the public that we have sufficient stock for their daily essentials.

“It is not necessary for customers to indulge in panic buying. Moreover, we are working on an online health platform to enable customers to talk to their pharmacist on Covid-19 related matters such as what to eat while in isolation, ways to care for themselves post-vaccination and so on, and Guardian Brunei’s community outreach programme to support the community’s need to talk to professionals on how they can keep safe and better protect themselves.

“Our message to the public is that Guardian is with you every step of your way,” she added.

Hua Ho Kiulap Branch Manager Choo also spoke about the spike in public demand since last Saturday, which has led to an increase in the sales of sanitary items.

“Although our supermarket chain is unable to expand on the range of products on offer, due to the ongoing lockdowns in other countries, there is still enough stock prepared for the public to purchase.

“This means that panic buying or bulk-buying is not necessary, especially at this time when everyone would need a fair share of the items,” he said. - Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network