We have enough food, assures PM

PUTRAJAYA: Following reports of panic buying arising from anticipation that Malaysia will be in a lockdown due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the government has assured the people that the country has sufficient food supply.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he had instructed the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to ensure essential food items were readily available.

“Just to be truthful, don’t worry so much.

“There is enough food around, ” he told a press conference after chairing the Economic Action Council meeting here yesterday.

Muhyiddin acknowledged that the public is experiencing a certain degree of panic but he urged Malaysians not to resort to stocking up excessively.

“I have also instructed the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry to monitor the situation on the ground.

“For now, there is no indication that food is running out, ” he said.

He added that the government would determine that all outlets selling essential food items would remain open.

“Outlets that sell items like vegetables, fish and fruits will continue to be open so that people will not feel something is missing and rush to buy food unnecessarily, ” he said.

“Buy only what is necessary and stock essential items like you normally do.

“We will ensure that food will be available to you at all times, ” said the Prime Minister.