WHILE Malaysians throng supermarkets and stores for a second day of panic-buying, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi pleaded with Malaysians to remain calm, assuring there are enough supplies for everyone during the 14-day movement control period.

He said the public should not worry about sufficient supplies and that everyone needed to cooperate to ensure that all Malaysians get through this containment period.

“We plead with them not to panic-buy because the actual situation doesn’t require the necessity to do so and to overstock,” he said.

“There is adequate supply of stocks. So, no need for panic-buying. We will make sure that supermarkets and other stores have stock,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Nanta Linggi said panic-buying could lead to negative consequences for retailers and supermarkets.

“If panic-buying happens, it will cause a lot of problems because when everyone rushes to buy, there will need to be more distribution.

“The supplies are enough but we still need to have logistics. So, that is why we are seeking everyone’s cooperation. If we don’t panic-buy, we can solve a lot of problems,” he said.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had announced a nationwide movement control order to take effect from tomorrow until March 31 to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

It is the first time the order, under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Police Act 1967, will be enforced.

Covid-19 cases rose sharply with 190 new infections on Sunday and 125 yesterday, bringing the nationwide total to 553.

Of the overall figure, 511 patients are in hospital, while the rest have been discharged after making a full recovery.

When asked if there would be any limitations imposed on shoppers purchasing items during this 14-day period, Nanta Linggi said there were none at the moment but may be considered if necessary. – March 17, 2020.