SUNDRY shops are seeing brisk business as customers worried about contracting Covid-19 avoid the crowds at supermarkets, said a trade group.

Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants’ Associations of Malaysia (FSGMAM) president Hong Chee Meng told The Malaysian Insight that these smaller businesses can cope with the increase in customers.

“People are worried about shopping at large supermarkets as the risk of infection there is high. Small grocery stores have become the preferred choice.

“According to our members, almost all grocery stores have seen an increase in business.

“Since the day after the movement-control order (MCO) was announced, business has doubled.”

There are no supply issues, he said, but added that there is some concern about a shortage of imported infant formula.

“Local suppliers of baby milk powder have indicated that they have sufficient stock, but after overnight purchases of imported milk powder, there may be a shortage after a while.

“Babies accustomed to foreign brands of milk powder will have to suddenly switch to local milk powder, and they will certainly not be able to adapt.

“We are more worried about the supply of milk powder from other countries. After all, foreign supply chains are also affected (by the Covid-19 pandemic).”

Urging the government to plan ahead, he called on the National Rice Bureau to ensure there is enough white rice.

“About 30% of white rice is imported and 70% produced locally. For example, the Singaporean government already has a stockpile for emergencies.”

FSGMAM counts more than 4,000 sundry shops nationwide as members.

Hong said each store has its own stock, and there will be no supply problems till the MCO ends on April 14.

“We urge people not to snap up and hoard food items at home. It can lead to waste. They must pay attention to expiration dates.”

Low Mei Ling, a sundry shop owner from Mersing, Johor, said after the March 16 announcement on the MCO, her business volume doubled.

“We have additional purchases from suppliers, and they will be replenished in a few days, no problem.”

Customers usually buy biscuits, instant noodles, seasonings, bread and canned food, she said.

The MCO, which took effect on March 18, was initially due to last a fortnight. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said it will be extended another two weeks. – March 27, 2020.