Keep basic emergency supplies despite food security assurance, consumers told
KUALA LUMPUR: Households should maintain basic emergency supplies despite the government's assurance that Malaysia has enough food to last six months, consumer groups say.
Malaysia's food stocks may last six months, but consumer groups warn households should still prepare basic emergency supplies. The Malaysian Consumers Movement (MCM) says maintaining supplies is a sensible precaution, not panic buying. Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says no public stockpiling is needed, despite 33 countries advising citizens to do so.
MCM secretary-general Harminder Singh says low-income and rural communities would be most vulnerable during a crisis, as they may lack the financial means to purchase additional stock or cope with rising food prices. He urges the government to provide clear guidance on household preparedness, focusing on communication, education, protection against profiteering, distribution, contingency planning, and assistance for vulnerable consumers.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations CEO Saravanan Thambirajah advises households to stock basic food, water, medication and other essentials for at least 72 hours, stressing this does not demand panic buying or expensive survival kits.
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