.jpg "People shop for groceries at a Giant hypermarket in Shah Alam March 17, 2020. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Meira Zulyana")
SHAH ALAM, March 17 — As the government announced the implementation of a movement control order to contain the spread of Covid-19 beginning tomorrow, some early shoppers began queuing outside the Giant hypermarket here, waiting to shop for daily essentials.
As early as 7.30am, a line of cars can be seen waiting by the roadside, with shoppers young and old thronging the hypermarket that usually does not see a huge weekday crowd.
The shutter to the entrance was still closed but a small group of shoppers had already started waiting with their shopping carts.
Panic buying in Malaysia escalated yesterday after the country saw a sudden spike in new Covid-19 cases.
Pictures and videos of Malaysian heading to their nearest supermarkets and grocery stores to stock up on goods have been making the rounds on social media.
Some shoppers were seen chatting up hypermarket workers, enquiring about the situation.
“We will be open daily, don’t worry. We are part of essential services,” a weighing counter operator said, appearing to calm down a worried shopper.
Malay Mail was informed by another staff that the hypermarket had replenished supplies yesterday after the panic buying frenzy began in the morning.
Despite the unusual morning crowd today, shelves were still well stocked with many varieties of essential items, including meat and fish as well as dried and canned food items.
“I came to do my normal shopping. It’s my off day today. I just finished my night shift at the hospital.
“I just bought pampers for my daughter. My husband is also a doctor and he’s at work.
“I’m not buying things I don’t need. The announcement clearly says things are enough, so there is no need to go crazy,” Dr A. Rupa , 29, told Malay Mail when met.
Dr Rupa said that she merely came for her weekly grocery run after a long night at the hospital.
“I saw some, they are buying in bulk. For me, rather than you buy and stock up groceries, practice social distancing. Many here are not wearing masks and it’s crowded, and there is a high chance of the virus spreading if anyone has it,” Dr Rupa added.
As of 11am, some items such as Saji cooking oil, certain egg grades and canned food items were already gone, as more buyers begin pouring into the hypermarket.
Over at Jusco Shah Alam, just a stone’s throw away from the Giant Hypermarket in Section 13 here, the situation was a little more intense with many rice packets emptied off the shelves.
Eggs, medium-sized oats packets and large Milo packets were also snapped up, while eggs were completely out of stock.
Some vegetable varieties were also cleared off, while many mask-clad buyers were also seen loading up mineral water bottles.
At Village Grocer located inside Melawati Mall, meat shelves were still empty as of 10.20am. An interviewee, JY Low (not his real name) had gone to the supermarket to purchase some meat and vegetables for a two-day meal.
“Grocer staff were seen chopping up chicken, no whole chicken for sale. All other meat, including pork, have run out since last night. The shopping mall, except the supermarket, is empty. Checked with non-halal section, and they were unsure when meat will be restocked,” he told Malay Mail.
At another area in Ampang, another shopper CK Lim (not his real name) said shops selling meat near the wet market were advising customers not to hoard, as they will be open during the restricted movement period. Lim had gone to get breakfast from the morning market, and witnessed many hoarding groceries.
Last night, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin announced a government order effective from midnight that would require Malaysians to stop all public gatherings and shut down any non-essential businesses and stores, with only places selling daily necessities and essential services such as transportation, food supply, health, pharmacies, banking and utilities allowed to continue operations.
However, the panic buying frenzy already began in the morning before his announcement, after rumours of an impending lockdown raised alarm.
