GEORGE TOWN – With the impending nationwide lockdown, the Penang Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has given the assurance that there should not be any shortage of toilet paper or white bread.
Supermarket operators have been allowed to limit the purchase of these items by consumers should panic buying arise.
“We are giving an assurance that there is adequate supply,” said state ministry director Mohd Ridzuan Abd Ghapar.
“We have asked supermarket operators to limit if there is an excess purchase of items.
“We do not expect a repeat of last year’s fiasco where panic buying caused an acute shortage and disruption to the supply chain,” Ridzuan said during a spot check at Queensbay Mall.
To avoid a recurrence, Ridzuan said that enforcement officers have been deployed to monitor the situation at major retail and wholesale centres.
Also, supermarket operators have been briefed on what needs to be done, including to limit those found to indulge in excess buying.
Ridzuan advised consumers to stock up for just seven days so that their produce remains fresh, following which they can go out to purchase again at nearby shops, instead of main shopping areas.
Under the total lockdown, supermarkets will operate but at limited opening hours.
He advised traders to be ethical during such trying times and to not resort to profiteering.
“We are ready to investigate claims of traders cheating consumers by hiking up prices during the movement control order.
“We hope they will cooperate and do not aspire to make quick profits.”
Ridzuan also urged consumers to plan their purchasing schedule, so they do not end up in crowds, which is discouraged due to Covid-19.
“They can plan one major weekly purchase while shopping in convenience outlets or sundry shops for smaller items including for essential goods.”
There are nine hyper markets in Penang which Ridzuan said had long queues due to the number of patrons allowed into the shopping area.
Since January, the enforcement division has inspected 25,276 premises in Penang of which 342 were reprimanded for committing various offences under domestic trade regulations with five being brought to court. – The Vibes, May 29, 2021
