Do not hoard as essential items are sufficient for MCO 3.0

PETALING JAYA: Consumers must avoid panic buying as there is enough and a guarantee of continuous supply of essential items to last throughout the current movement control order, says the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Its enforcement director Azman Adam (pic) said they had carried out monitoring of suppliers, wholesalers and retailers to ensure that there would be enough supply for consumers throughout the MCO 3.0.

Azman said hoarding by consumers would lead to a disruption of supply.

"The ministry always conducts daily checks nationwide to ensure enough supply especially for the period of MCO 3.0.

"According to our records, since MCO 1.0 (March last year), 895,642 premises were checked.

"Based on these inspections, the supply of essential items is sufficient.

"Enforcement officers also carried out daily inspections on 2,711 dedicated district retailers, 1,039 dedicated district wholesalers and, 233 dedicated district manufacturers," he said in a statement on Friday (May 21).

Currently, Azman said there has been no disruption of supply at the level of manufacturers.

"We urge consumers to only make purchases according to their daily needs.

"Any changes to consumer behaviour such as drastic buying will lead to a disruption of supply, which will then create unnecessary panic.

"The government gives its guarantee that there will be sufficient supply of essential items in the market.

"Everyone has to play a role so that we can get through this pandemic in a controlled manner," he said.