Two-hour shopping limit rule suspended

IPOH: The two-hour limit for consumers to shop at retail outlets has been suspended.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement director Azman Adam said the decision to defer the time limit was to prevent panic buying.

“When the full lockdown was introduced, we did not want people to start panic buying,” he said.

Azman, however, said people should not take advantage of the deferment and take their time.

“They should grab the items and leave as fast as possible and stay home,” he said after visiting Tesco Lotus Bercham here yesterday to check on SOP compliance.

He said the decision was made on May 28 after the government decided to announce a nationwide full lockdown.

In May, minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said shoppers would be limited to two hours to shop under the tightened SOP.

Nanta had said the ministry would mobilise 2,262 enforcement officers nationwide to ensure compliance at all premises involved in trade, retail and restaurants.On another matter, Azman advised non-governmental organisations buying the essential items for donation purposes to get their supplies directly from factories or wholesalers to ensure consumers have enough supply throughout the lockdown period.

He said those seeking to do bulk buying could get in touch with the ministry for recommendation.

He said NGOs should not get their supplies from small sundry shops in villages or outlets that could affect consumers’ supply.

“It is good for NGOs to carry out the deeds, but we are advising them to get these items at proper channels as not to disrupt the supply chain,” he said.