Editor's note, Feb. 27, 12.34pm: Seah Kian Peng's quote about FairPrice disallowing refunds has been updated to reflect that he was voicing the suggestions he received from many people.
For avoidance of doubt, this was what he said in full:
“There was a minority group that criticised our move, but I would say, a large majority were in favour. In fact, many of them suggested to me that when this episode is over, that FairPrice should not allow people who stock up to return their excess goods to us to get a refund -- this is actually our standard policy -- this so as to teach people a lesson on buying responsibly and not hoard first only to return the stocks later. I thank everyone who have given me their various suggestions.”
FairPrice's CEO and Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng addressed in Parliament on Feb. 26 the issue of grocery stockpiling.
The good and the bad
In a speech about the effects of Covid-19 on Singapore, Seah mentioned various examples of the good and the bad that had emerged among Singaporeans since the start of the outbreak.
Seah highlighted incidences of altruism, such as people leaving out free hand sanitisers and masks in lifts and public places, as well as the outpouring of support for Red Cross Singapore's declining blood stocks.
He also pointed out there were those who did not collect the free masks distributed by the government, choosing instead to leave them for those who needed it more.
"All these people acted not because of fear, but in spite of fear," he said.
However, Seah also touched on the topic of panic buying.
In the days following the announcement of DORSCON Orange, crowds swarmed to supermarkets to purchase as many necessities and non-perishables as they could.
As FairPrice's CEO, Seah said he witnessed "firsthand the shopping frenzy", and stated that the behaviour involved "all age groups, races and social strata".
No refunds for excess hoarded items
In response to the numerous shoppers who had likely hoarded piles of goods and items at home — in preparation for whatever apocalypse they might have foresaw would happen — Seah added that many others have suggested that these people should not be allowed to return their items.
He said,
“There was a minority group that criticised our move, but I would say, a large majority were in favour. In fact, many of them suggested to me that when this episode is over, that FairPrice should not allow people who stock up to return their excess goods to us to get a refund -- this is actually our standard policy -- this so as to teach people a lesson on buying responsibly and not hoard first only to return the stocks later. I thank everyone who have given me their various suggestions.”
Instead, Seah encouraged stockpilers to consider donating their excess items to charities like Food from the Heart and Food Bank.
He said: "Maybe I'll set up a collection counter for them too."
"I thank everyone who have given me their various suggestions."
Previously imposed purchase limits
Since panic buying erupted islandwide, FairPrice introduced measures to curb stockpiling.
They imposed purchase limits for high demand items like instant noodles, rice and toilet paper.
Seah also assured everyone in an advisory on Facebook not to stockpile, that there were plenty of goods available at warehouses, and supplies would be dispatched efficiently to supermarkets.
Top photo from CNA video and Fasiha Nazren