Experts: Stop Panic Buying, Don’t Go Holiday or Balik Kampung During the Restricted Movement Period

Our Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has addressed the nation yesterday regarding the Covid-19 spike and from there, he has put in place a Restricted Movement Order for the whole of Malaysia.

From then on, people have been going out to panic buy and are making plans so that they can have full use of the “two weeks holiday” given by the government.

Infectious diseases expert Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman has spoken up on this in an article on Malaysiakini. She said that people should not balik kampung and should stay where they are,

“No, the answer is no. Stay put wherever you are. The whole idea of this restricted movement order is to restrict movement, to minimise human contact that can spread the virus.”

This Restricted Movement Order is from 18- 31 March and most workplaces (other than essential service) and all schools are put on hold.

Retired doctor Amar Singh HSS has said that Malaysians should not look at this order as an opportunity to go for a holiday. He also touched a little on panic buying,

“This is dangerous. (It) helps spread the coronavirus. Stop panic buying.”

When you go panic buying it can result in large groups of people being in close proximity which will definitely facilitate the spread of Covid-19.

The Prime Minister has assured Malaysians yesterday that the food supplies, daily needs and also medical supplies are sufficient. During the Restricted Movement Order, Malaysians are allowed to go out grocery shopping so there is absolutely no need to panic buy.

Many health experts, including Adeeba and former health minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, urge people to stay at home unless there is an essential need to go out, such as to do essential work or to seek medical treatment.

We hope that all Malaysians will abide by the guidelines given by the government to help curb the spread of Covid-19. If you are unclear about the order then you can call the hotline @ 03-88882010. 

Also read: 5 Things You Need To Know About PM Muhyiddin’s Covid-19 Update