Deputy minister and consumer group warn against panic buying, saying current stocks are stable but prolonged conflict could impact prices

PETALING JAYA: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh has assured that the country’s food supply remains sufficient amid growing public concern over global uncertainties.

She said there is no cause for alarm at this stage, stressing that essential goods are adequately available in the market.

“God willing, supply is sufficient,” she said in a WhatsApp reply to theSun.

Fuziah urged the public to refrain from panic buying, warning that such behaviour could disrupt supply chains and trigger unnecessary price increases.

“It is best to avoid panic buying as it will disrupt supply and prices,” she said, calling on consumers to remain calm and purchase only what is necessary.

Meanwhile, her statement was supported by Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer Dr T. Saravanan, who warned consumers not to undermine this stability through panic-driven buying and stockpiling.

He said while concerns over a potential conflict involving Iran and the US have sparked anxiety online, the country’s current food ecosystem is functioning well and should not be disrupted by irrational consumer behaviour.

“At this point in time, our food supply is still very stable. I would say we are secure at least until May under the current conditions,” he said when contacted.

However, Saravanan cautioned that Malaysia’s heavy reliance on imported food means prolonged geopolitical tensions could eventually strain supply chains.

“We are a country that is heavily dependent on imports. Our food import bill has consistently ranged between RM70 billion and RM80 billion annually. That means we are spending tens of billions of ringgit every year to secure food from external sources,” he added.

He explained that conflicts affecting global energy markets, particularly petrol and gas, could have cascading effects on food logistics.

“When war disrupts fuel supply, it affects transport and shipping costs globally. Over time, this will impact the movement of food into Malaysia. So while we are stable now, there are concerns moving forward if the situation persists.”

Saravanan said any disruption would likely manifest first through rising costs rather than immediate shortages.

“It is not that food will suddenly disappear from the market, but supply could tighten due to logistical constraints. This may lead to higher prices rather than a complete lack of availability.”

He added that government measures such as maintaining the RON95 petrol price help cushion the impact, but much depends on how long global tensions continue.

Addressing fear-based messaging on social media platforms that urge Malaysians to stockpile food, Saravanan issued a firm warning against such actions, stressing they could do more harm than good.

“The supply is there. But when people rush to buy in bulk unnecessarily, it distorts the market. It creates pressure on the supply chain and can lead to temporary shortages that are not reflective of actual production levels.”

Saravanan pointed out that such behaviour disproportionately affects lower-income groups, particularly the B40 segment.

“If those in the T20 or M40 categories stockpile excessively, they are effectively taking away access from the B40 group. This creates inequality in access to essential goods and puts vulnerable communities at risk.”

He stressed that consumer discipline is critical to ensure supply remains accessible.

Currently, he said Malaysia is in a relatively strong position, with sufficient supply of key food items.

“We are not facing shortages of chicken, eggs or vegetables. Supply is adequate and there are monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure continuity,” he said.

Saravanan added that authorities are actively tracking supply levels and can intervene when necessary.

“The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has systems to monitor availability.

“If there are gaps, the government can step in through imports and other balancing measures.”

 The Sun Malaysia