Panic Buying Hits Penang after First Positive Covid 19 Case Reported
After the first positive Covid 19 case was reported a few days ago, it was reported that Penangites had been rushing to stock up on household essentials mimicking those from Singapore and Hong Kong. Amongst the items flying off from supermarket shelves were toilet rolls, instant noodles, rice and biscuits (Source: The News Straits Times). Other hot items include hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays and face masks which usually retails at Guardian, Watson’s, Caring and other pharmacies.
Following the announcement that Keysight Technologies and Agilent Technologies had ordered their workers to work from home as a precaution, the situation may have took a turn for the worse (Source: The Star Online). A reliable source mentioned that both the toilet roll stock at Sunshine Square and Tesco are out.
Of all things, why toilet paper? Read this article from CNN Health on the psychology behind why toilet paper has become the latest panic buy item.
But is it really that bad? Let’s find out how is the situation at local supermarkets and pharmacies.
Jaya Grocer
This was the situation at Jaya Grocer Gurney Paragon yesterday (11 March 2020) around 9pm. The toilet rolls were running low, people snapping up cheaper options first. The instant noodles and rice were still quite well stocked. I guess toilet rolls are still the main target fueled by the social media news worldwide.
Guardian Pharmacy
12 March 2020 1:00pm: On the other hand, hand sanitizers, disinfectant spray and face masks were sold out at the Guardian and Caring Pharmacy Gurney Paragon and eGate branch as well.
AEON Queensbay Mall
As of 1pm today (12 March 2020), mountains of toilet rolls are stacked up at AEON Queensbay Mall.
Giant, Penang Plaza
13 March 2020 1:00pm: The supply of toilet rolls, canned food, rice and instant noodles seems to be well provisioned.
Mercato, Gurney Plaza
14 March 2020 Time unknown: Stacks of toilet paper from Kleenex is available at Mercato, Gurney Plaza.
Conclusion
If I were you, I wouldn’t be pressing the panic button yet. It is good to practice rationale and just buy what is needed for your household.
After all, we can still survive without toilet rolls, just remember to wash your hands thoroughly. Don’t hoard the supplies!
