SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The Republic has a robust multi-pronged strategy that will ensure the country does not run out of the essentials it needs, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Monday night (March 16).
This is on top of building up the country's inventory of food and essential supplies, he said on Facebook.
He gave this assurance following concerns among Singaporeans over the implications of Malaysia’s announcement earlier on Monday that it will restrict all movement throughout the country from Wednesday until March 31 to prevent further spread of the coronavirus within the country.
All Malaysians will be barred from travelling abroad. For those who are returning from overseas, they must undergo a health inspection and undergo self-quarantine for 14 days.
There will also be a ban on all foreign tourists and visitors.
Photos of queues at various supermarkets here on Monday evening started circulating online after Malaysia’s announcement, with shoppers snapping up food products and daily necessities.
Chan added that the Republic is not facing any immediate risks of running out of food or other supplies brought in by retailers.
He explained that this is because the Singapore Government has been actively working with supermarket chains such as NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong and Dairy Farm to increase the country's stock of food and essential supplies over the last two months.
On ensuring the country does not run out of essentials, Chan said that Singapore has local production capabilities for products such as noodles, infant milk powder and canned goods among others.
“In the event that we need to increase supply for our domestic consumption, we can ramp up quickly and easily to do so, ” he said.
“We have also continued to diversify our sources of essential goods, for example we get a good amount of vegetables from China and even go as far as Australia and Spain to secure our supply of eggs.”
Even so, Chan urged Singaporeans to continue to purchase in a responsible manner and to purchase only what they need.
"Otherwise, no amount of stockpiling will be sufficient."
On Monday night, Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced movement restrictions on the country, from Wednesday until March 31.
Muhyiddin urged Malaysia to abide by the restrictions, adding that the country's national security council will meet daily to monitor the situation.
He also said that food and medical supplies including face masks will be sufficient.
The limits include a ban on mass gatherings, including religious, sports, social and cultural events.
With the latest development in Malaysia, Chan said that businesses that employ Malaysian workers who commute between Singapore and Malaysia daily may have to activate their business continuity plans.
“If they need assistance, they should contact our economic agencies who stand ready to assist, ” he said, adding that Singapore will also continue to stay in touch with Malaysia, and to ensure that businesses and people are able to continue with their lives and livelihoods.
“I am aware that many of these new restrictions and announcements may be quite overwhelming for many people. I ask for your continued trust and support as we work hard with all stakeholders to ensure that we get through these short-term challenges together, ” said Chan. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network
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