KUALA LUMPUR: Following the implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), Malaysians generally appeared to be more prepared and did not resort to panic buying and hoarding.
Norman Ariff, a businessman from the Klang Valley, noted that Malaysians were more disciplined this time around, unlike during the MCO in March, when they swept supermarket shelves clean during a panic-buying spree.
"If your average grocery shop only has enough to cater for the immediate neighbourhood, then supply won't be enough if there's panic buying.
"During the MCO, a small supermarket in Bandar Utama needed a few days to restock its shelves after shoppers cleared them of supplies.
"This meant that other folks had to travel further to buy their essential groceries.
"Thankfully, we haven't seen many such cases this time around," said Norman.
Henry H.L. Teo, 40, said he still saw a number of Malaysians adopting a herd mentality when it comes to stocking up on goods.
"Despite the numerous assurances by the authorities, some people still assume that the worst is just around the corner and, therefore, they aim to stock up as much as they can.
"We've already witnessed such behaviour during the MCO earlier this year.
"It's been nothing short of a relief that when the CMCO was announced, supermarkets were still well-stocked.
"Hopefully those who were guilty of hoarding previously have learned their lesson."
Entrepreneur Ungku Raad Azeraai Ungku Mohd Najib, 41, who resides in Kuala Lumpur, warned that unnecessary panic buying only creates more problems.
"Panic buying will lead to an increase in prices for certain essential items due to sudden high demand. Part of the problem is that some suppliers will hold on to stocks and supplies in order to capitalise on a situation when there is a shortage.
"Logistics and transportation costs will also go up, especially in rural areas where goods are not readily available. And mainly in East Malaysia, where a lot of supplies are shipped over from the peninsula.
"Such unscrupulous acts can bring about a domino effect that in the end burdens the people, especially those from the lower income group."
He said authorities must remain vigilant to ensure that the interests of the public are taken care of.