KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans are advised to avoid panic buying of essential items, due to fear of negative implications as a result of the armed intruders situation in Lahad Datu and Semporna.
Sabah Consumer activist Datuk Patrick Sindu said the organisation has received information about people starting to hoard items, such
as rice and other daily necessities.
“We’ve been given to understand that many warehouses and shops have run out of stocks due to this panic buying. We must not panic and believe rumours about the shoot-outs in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu and Semporna.
“All parties must remain calm and not fall for inaccurate news, especially spread through social media,” he told Bernama, here yesterday.
Patrick also requested the state Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to monitor the situation to prevent
traders profiteering from the situation.
“We don’t want a scenario where certain parties take the opportunity to reap profits, while our security forces are laying their lives on the line to defend national security at Lahad Datu,” he said. — Bernama