Customers shopping as usual at E-Mart Batu Kawa.
KUCHING: It was business as usual at supermarkets here yesterday morning although there were claims on social media that there was a mad rush of people shopping for daily essentials the previous night soon after the nationwide movement control order was announced.
Observations conducted by The Borneo Post at several supermarkets yesterday saw a calm morning as customers shopped for their groceries as usual, purchasing items based on their needs and not buying in large quantities.
Supermarket employees and suppliers were also seen stocking up items, especially foodstuff such as rice and noodles to ensure sufficient stocks for customers to purchase.
Two university students, Timotius Suring and his fiancée Angalynna Pramella were shopping for essentials as usual at E-Mart Hypermarket in Batu Kawa.
Angalynna, 21, mentioned that they bought the items earlier than usual, worrying that the hypermarket would close during the movement control order period.
“We purchased these items early because we thought that the hypermarket would close. However, when we found out that it will remain open, we were relieved.
“Even if we are worried about it (the movement control order), we do not purchase our items in bulk. We cannot be too selfish to buy the items as we need to be mindful of other customers as well,” Timotius added.
Meanwhile, the hypermarket’s manager Jee Wan Kwang assured the public that stocks remain sufficient, asserting that orders were made to ensure enough stocks in the hypermarket.
“We have been receiving a lot of customers since 3am, but rest assured our stocks are enough,” he added.
Lim Jia Heng, a manager for H&L Supermarket in Siburan, pointed out that the store has repeat orders to suppliers who will come to resupply the stocks.
This, he added, is to ensure continuous flow of stocks coming in to the store.
“Our store here will not be closed and will remain operational even during the movement control order period,” Lim added.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Monday night that the movement control order will be enforced from today until March 31.
Among others, all business premises should be closed, except for supermarkets, wet markets, grocery shops and convenience stores selling daily necessities while the order is in effect.