LAHAD DATU: Rice is selling like hot cakes with people showing sign of panic buying following the brief firefight between the security forces and armed intruders at Felda Sahabat 17, some 110 kilometres from here.
Since news on the shootout between the Malaysian police and the Sultan of Sulu followers broke yesterday, the public were seen rushing to the nearest sundry shops to grab essential goods, mostly rice and canned food.
“I saw many buying packets of rice from the supermarket yesterday (Friday). I do sense panic attack as some were also buying food stuff, especially canned ones that can last longer … I guess they are preparing for any eventualities,” said Monili Abbana, who lives three kilometres from town.
He noticed that at some shops, rice were sold out.
As for himself, he had his stock piled since a few days back.
“I have asked my wife to buy seven packets of rice three days ago, which is to be shared with another family … lucky we bought our stocks early,” he said.
The 46-year-old taxi driver said he had to call off work early for fear of his family’s safety.
” I was asked to pick up my children from school at around 2pm yesterday ( Friday). I have to check if school reopens on Monday … if it is open, I will send my children to school, education. is after all, important,” he said.
In a survey by The Borneo Post, shops closed early than usual, although no curfew was issued by the police.
People seem to impose the ‘curfew’ upon themselves for safety purposes.