Practise loving kindness, not panic buying

YOU will note that when there is a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, people start panic buying. This has happened in several cities around the world. We have seen people stocking up on canned food, instant noodles, beverages, etc. We have also seen people fighting over toilet paper in supermarkets.

Now this trend has reached our shores. And it has caused me great concern. Just imagine if we have stocked up our house with all these essential items. What will happen to those people who are unable to get them?

In an economic sense, a supermarket usually has more than enough for the people living in the vicinity. But when panic buying occurs, only a handful of people get to buy the goods, leaving a large number of households empty. Which is a shame, as those households will suffer.

Therefore, I would like to urge everyone to share this important message with family and friends. Reason with them that panic buying is an unskillful act. A careless act of foolishness. A very selfish act, indeed.

Rather, we should take this opportunity to be the best of humanity. We should practise

loving kindness, compassion and equanimity during times of crisis. It’s a simple act of humility that shapes the virtuous character of a human being.

Don’t panic buy. Instead, stay calm. Stay focused and do the right thing. Help one another no matter the race, faith, gender or age. We should help one another so that each and every one of us will have access to the food and essential items that we need.

I pray that we will pass through this difficult time without much harm, suffering and damage.

DR BUGS TAN YEOW KIANG

Kuala Lumpur