Don’t panic buy, govt says following concerns over cyber-attacks

The federal government has actually not released any instruction for the general public to stockpile on food materials for a 72-hour duration, as advised by the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca).

Farming and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu encouraged customers not to panic-buy, however rather to continue going shopping according to their everyday requirements as normal.

“We do acknowledge that we…

The government has not issued any directive for the public to stock up on food supplies for a 72-hour period, as recommended by the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca).

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu advised consumers not to panic-buy, but instead to continue shopping according to their daily needs as usual.

“We do acknowledge that we are worried about the present circumstance, consisting of cyber hazards, however we have actually not yet reached the phase of releasing regulations for the general public to stock food materials,” he said at a press conference after officiating the “Himpunan Semarak Tani Jualan Agro Madani” in Bukit Katil, Malacca today.

Yesterday, Fomca advised consumers to stock up on food and necessities for a period of at least 72 hours, as a precautionary measure against potential supply disruptions due to global geopolitical uncertainties and natural disasters.

Commenting further, Mohamad assured that the national rice stock is sufficient for a period of six months and will continue to be increased.

“The supply of frozen fish is likewise ensured to be enough for the next 8 months. There is no requirement for extreme purchases.

“Buying goods in excessive quantities will only create problems and make it difficult for other consumers to obtain supplies,” he stated.

Mohamad stated the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is likewise continuously examining the existing circumstance, consisting of through cooperation with universities and scientists such as environment modification specialists.

As a preliminary preparatory action, he stated the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, together with personal traders with freezing centers, have actually been asked to stockpile, specifically on individuals’s option of fish in high need in the market.

In another advancement, he stated the federal government intends to carry out 5,000 Agro Madani Sales programs nationwide, compared to the 3,400 held up until now.

Mohamad stated this program, which permits customers to purchase products at 10 to 30 percent less expensive rates, intends to alleviate individuals’s expense of living concern, specifically in rural and small-town locations.

“We cannot hold programmes like these every day because local grocery stores also need to do business. So, we are holding it weekly to give people a chance to save money while also ensuring the sustainability of local traders,” he included.

– Bernama