Consumers cross fingers for smooth supply

Starting early: Many families have started stocking up for Hari Raya from as early as mid-way through Ramadan. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: Consumers here hope there will be enough supply of essential goods to cater to the high demand throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

Housewife Seri Sulastry Minhaj said many families began stocking up for Hari Raya as early as mid-Ramadan.

“Some of my friends have also done the same, as they are worried that items such as rice, cooking oil and sugar will be in short supply due to the high demand,” she said.

Seri Sulastry, however, expressed her lack of concern due to the government’s measures to guarantee a sufficient supply of rice.

She was also glad to see the shelves well-stocked during grocery shopping.

“I hope this can continue even when we enter the second week of Hari Raya, as that is when many people tend to host their open house,” she said.

The 51-year-old also hoped that there would be enough eggs in the market, as her family of five could go through four trays of eggs each month.

Retired civil servant Abas Abu Bakar, 73, said he has started stocking up his fridge ahead of Hari Raya.

“I took advantage of Jualan Kasih Johor, a state-subsidised farmer’s market programme, where I bought four dressed chickens, 2kg of beef and a variety of seafood to cook for the celebration.

“My two daughters and their families will be gathering at my house, and I want to make sure we have enough food to feast on,” he said.

Abas also gave the programme on Thursday the thumbs up as he was able to purchase the items at a cheaper price compared with other places.

“I plan to do another round of shopping in the second week of Hari Raya. I have to watch my spending, as things are getting more expensive these days.

“I hope most of the essential food items will still be in supply like previous years,” he said.

Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen said the Jualan Kasih Johor, which was held at Kampung Dato’ Sulaiman Menteri here in conjunction with Hari Raya, was well received by residents.

“More than 1,500 dressed chickens, 400 trays of eggs, and 300 bottles of cooking oil were sold out within two hours.

“Many shoppers started queuing up as early as 7.30am to get their hands on the items, which were sold at a cheaper price,” he added.