07/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 7, 2026

3 M’sians precautious in buying essentials

o Stockpiling basic goods emerging as response to current global instability

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: With global turmoil threatening to push up grocery bills and strain supplies, some Malaysian households are already stockpiling essentials as a precaution, while others are exercising restraint and budgeting carefully. For 55-year-old administrative manager Lina Majid, the decision to bulk-buy was made early and as a family. Living in a six-member household, she and her children have been buying extra dry goods, canned food and frozen items with long shelf lives, including chicken breast and minced meat, while also building up bottled water supplies at home. “I think the total cost was about RM1,000, and my children contributed a lot, so it did not feel too burdensome. Looking at the market outside, prices are actually still okay for now, so I am taking the opportunity to buy now as well,” she told theSun . She said the move was not driven by panic but by concern that the situation could worsen in the coming months. “After Hari Raya, we continued buying in bulk, especially items with a long expiry date. During the Covid-19 crisis, I saw how prices went up and how difficult it was for us to move around. Even if the conflict stops tomorrow, the impact on the global economy has already happened, so for us this is just a precautionary step. I also expect that in the coming months, prices may increase and supplies may become tighter, so I would advise the public to buy and keep some essentials too, not in panic, but as a safety measure.” Housewife Aishah Othman, 39, said she had also begun setting aside more staples, although only within what the household could afford. “I bought rice, canned food and water because I am worried about rising prices for basic goods and the

Aishah suggested the government could consider working with major companies to offer discounted essential goods, similar to measures introduced in Thailand to help consumers cope with rising costs. – MASRY CHE ANI/THE SUN

“Basic food items such as rice, chicken and vegetables remain sufficiently supplied through domestic production and imports, while physical access, logistics, distribution and market operations are still stable. Public concern at this stage is precautionary, driven by uncertainty, not an indicator of food system failure.” Abdul Rahman also said the more immediate risk for Malaysia is imported inflation rather than outright disruption to supply, as higher costs for oil, fertiliser and animal feed would add pressure on domestic food prices over time. – By Faiz Ruzman “I’m just focusing on my usual household needs and buying as I normally would. At most, I’m being more mindful about essentials such as basic cooking ingredients and household items, but not in excess. I think this is a time to practise being berjimat-cermat – spending wisely and avoiding unnecessary purchases, rather than stockpiling.” Her view reflected that of other consumers who prefer careful spending over panic buying while waiting for reassurance on supply. “I think clear and consistent communication is very important right now to reassure the public that supply chains are stable. At the same time, there should be efforts to discourage panic buying and ensure fair pricing.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m panic buying, but I’ve always made it a habit to keep my pantry stocked. It’s more about being prepared than reacting out of fear. With prices going up, I do feel more conscious now, so when I see good deals, I’ll buy a bit extra than usual. Over the past few weeks, I’ve probably spent slightly more than normal, maybe an extra RM100 to RM200.” Taking a different view, communication and media studies senior lecturer Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad, 40, said she had noticed similar concerns on social media but was deliberately avoiding stockpiling. She added that she was sticking to her usual shopping pattern, while becoming more mindful of spending and avoiding waste.

He added that the bigger risk would arise if tensions in West Asia and around the Strait of Hormuz persist, as any prolonged disruption could drive up oil prices and, in turn, transport and food production costs. Malaysia could also face pressure from rising prices of imported feed such as corn and soya, fertiliser and international freight, while export controls by producing countries could further strain food-importing nations. On measures needed to manage the situation, he said the priority is to build public confidence through clear and consistent information on stock levels and supply conditions. “Fear often stems from a lack of information or inaccurate possibility of stock running out. I only bought what I could afford. In the past few weeks, I think I spent about RM400 to RM500.” She suggested the government consider working with major companies to offer discounted essential goods, similar to measures introduced in Thailand to help consumers cope with rising costs. Legal clerk Malathy Arumugam, 50, said she was not panic-buying but had become more alert to promotions and more disciplined in keeping the household supplied. With three children at home, basics such as rice, cooking oil, eggs, milk, bread, school snacks and some frozen food remained her shopping priority, while cleaning supplies came after food.

Govt mulling improvements to fishermen fuel subsidy PUTRAJAYA: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is reviewing proposals to improve the subsidised fuel quota for fishermen following concerns raised by the fishing community over the 50-litre daily limit for Zone A vessels. The Fisheries Development Authority in a statement yesterday said any proposals to improve the rate or mechanism of the subsidy would be examined in stages, taking into consideration the welfare of fishermen as well as the country’s financial capacity. “At the same time, the setting of quotas takes into account control aspects, transparency and the government’s financial position to ensure that assistance is delivered in a sustainable and effective manner.” It added that the government understands the challenges faced by fishermen, particularly the rising operating costs and technological changes in vessels. However, it also urged them to understand that the current global energy crisis has a direct impact on fuel prices. – Bernama

‘Public unease shaped by assumptions of rising prices’ PETALING JAYA: Households across Malaysia are beginning to stockpile essentials, but experts say the trend is being driven more by fear of rising prices and uncertainty than by any actual shortage of food. are seeing now is more of a psychological response to uncertainty, rather than evidence of a real supply crisis.” information. The government needs to come forward proactively, for example by regularly announcing the stock levels of basic food items such as rice, chicken and cooking oil, while assuring the public that supply chains are still operating as usual. through four dimensions: availability, access, utilisation and stability. He added that Malaysia is still functioning normally across these areas.

Universiti Utara Malaysia Institute of Asian International Affairs and Diplomacy research fellow Assoc Prof Dr Bakri Mat said public unease is being shaped by expectations of cost increases rather than a sudden collapse in supply. “Malaysia remains broadly stable in basic food supply, with chicken self sufficiency above 90% and rice at about 60% to 70%, the remainder still supported by imports. What is happening today is driven more by expectations or assumptions about price increases, not physical scarcity,” he told theSun . “The stockpiling phenomenon we

“It is also important to emphasise that panic buying could create problems that do not actually exist. If everyone buys excessively, it could create temporary shortages in the market even when real supply is sufficient.” Universiti Teknologi Mara Sarawak agrotechnology expert Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Rahman Saili said the current situation should be assessed against established food security indicators rather than public sentiment alone. He said using the Food and Agriculture Organisation framework, food security must be measured