THE rush to stock up on essentials continues today, following Putrajaya’s announcement of a two-week movement-control order to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Although supermarkets and food-supply shops are to remain open during the order enforcement period, Malaysians thronged these places as soon as they opened this morning.

A shopper at Jaya Grocer in Petaling Jaya’s Starling mall said all of the supermarket’s trolleys were taken.

Several retailers took to social media to remind the public not to panic-buy, assuring that shelves will be quickly restocked.

Mydin founder Ameer Ali Mydin posted a photo of a crowded outlet this morning, and urged people to be considerate of each other.

“Let’s not do panic-buying. Our suppliers have assured us that there is an adequate supply of essentials to meet requirements. Let’s be considerate, we are all in this together, and we will come out stronger only if we work together as Malaysians,” he said on Instagram.

KK Super Mart posted on Facebook: “Don’t panic, guys. We have replenished enough stock to meet your demand.”

Ben’s Independent Grocer, too, assured the public that it is restocking its shelves every day.

Make way for seniors

Mydin and Jaya Grocer are among the retailers that have made special arrangements prioritising elderly shoppers.

In his Instagram post, Ameer Ali said starting tomorrow, when the movement-control order comes into force, all Mydin outlets will open 30 minutes early exclusively for senior citizens and the disabled.

“Senior citizens and OKU (the disabled)... are the most vulnerable during this difficult time, so let’s give them the time and space to shop. We will also open a dedicated cashier counter for them.”

The arrangement for elderly shoppers was announced on Mydin’s Instagram account as well.

Jaya Grocer said it will also open early, at 9.30am, to cater to senior citizens and their caretakers in the next two weeks.

Ben’s, meanwhile, called on shoppers to make way for senior citizens and children in its stores.

The government announced the movement-control order after a spike in coronavirus infections in the country. Yesterday, 125 new cases were recorded, bringing the national tally to 553.

The order bans mass gatherings, restricts foreigners’ entry into the country, bars travel abroad for Malaysians, and closes schools, tertiary education institutions and non-essential businesses.

Aeon Retail Malaysia said it is cancelling its All Nite Sale scheduled for Friday.

It was to have kicked off the supermarket’s 101-day sale, which will still be held. – March 17, 2020.