‘Buy only what you need when preparing for monsoon season’
PETALING JAYA: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is advising the public to avoid panic buying and purchase only what is needed when preparing for possible emergencies.
Nadma director-general Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim (pic) said there is no need for excessive stockpiling ahead of the Northeast Monsoon, despite the possibility of flooding and other emergencies.
He said reports about the approaching monsoon season could sometimes cause unnecessary alarm, prompting people to rush out and buy supplies in panic.
“People should only buy what they need, including food and drinks. Do not react to every news report by making unnecessary purchases.
“Just make the usual preparations. There is enough food supply in Malaysia,” he told reporters at a press conference yesterday on the government’s preparedness for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon.
He also advised residents to keep important belongings and documents in elevated places, while vulnerable groups should prepare to evacuate early.
Meor Ismail said early evacuation is important as rescue boats could carry only about 10 people, making it crucial to reduce pressure on rescue teams.
He also urged residents to remain prepared even when forecasts suggest the coming monsoon might be less severe.
Nadma’s current public flood-preparedness guideline recommends that households, especially those in flood-prone areas, prepare an emergency bag in advance.
It recommended that the bag checklist must include clothes, shoes, a blanket, whistle, cash, drinking water, torchlight, batteries, long-lasting food, a mini radio and first-aid supplies.
The agency also recommended the bag to contain a mobile phone, spare battery, hygiene items, and important documents such as identification cards and birth certificates.
The government’s public guidance also advises residents to identify their nearest temporary evacuation centre, plan safe routes and prepare medication, clothing, food and chargers.
Meanwhile, other countries provide more detailed disaster-preparedness guidance on the quantity of supplies households should keep and how to prepare for prolonged disruptions.
The 10th edition of Singapore’s Civil Defence Emergency Handbook, which was published this year, recommends an emergency-ready bag containing a torchlight, spare batteries, personal medication, whistle and first-aid kit.
It also advises people to keep copies of important documents in a waterproof folder, alongside supplies for children and people requiring special care.
Japan’s disaster-preparedness guide, updated in February 2026, encourages families to prepare evacuation backpacks and agree on meeting points and communication methods.
Its recommendations cover medication, hygiene products, food, water and portable toilets, while encouraging households to replenish supplies through regular shopping.
Canada advises households to keep enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, including about four litres of water per person daily.
Its checklist includes non-perishable food, a manual can opener, medication, first-aid supplies, batteries, cash and copies of important documents.
New Zealand similarly recommends at least three days of supplies, including nine litres of water per person.
Its guidance also encourages families to prepare individual grab bags containing walking shoes, warm clothing, snacks, medication, cash, phone chargers and identification documents.
The United Kingdom, meanwhile, launched its Be Ready campaign on Oct 22, urging households to keep essential supplies for 72 hours.
The UK government also advised residents to store up to nine litres of water per person, three days’ food, blankets, cash, a first-aid kit, torchlight and a wind-up radio.
The campaign was prompted by concerns over extreme weather, cyberattacks, technological dependence and threats from hostile states.
