Malaysian households are responding to global instability with a mix of precautionary stockpiling and disciplined budgeting, as concerns over potential price hikes and supply chain disruptions grow.
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 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.
“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.
“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.”