Malaysia has announced a national lockdown for two weeks as its latest measure against Covid-19.
In response, Minister of Trade and Industry, Chan Chun Sing, has published a Facebook post to assure Singaporeans that there is no immediate risk to our food supply and the government has a multi-pronged strategy to ensure essentials are well-stocked.
Footages circulating online show small crowds gathered at a few supermarkets which are still open at late night on March 16.
Tan Chuan Jin visits FairPrice outlet at Chai Chee
Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin, who is also the MP at Marine Parade GRC, appeared at one of the FairPrice outlets at Lengkong Tiga near Bedok and started a Facebook live at midnight.
He said that the government understands the concerns that people have towards the news from Malaysia and urged people not to panic.
He also asked viewers to not buy excessively and be civic-minded during this period, urging Singaporeans to "stay calm" and "be steady".
Tan also told viewers to look out for official messages, including the post from Chan.
He also interacted with some of the shoppers at the outlet, whom he observes to buying some supplies moderately.
When asked about the response towards the latest development in Malaysia, one of the residents also said: "Don't be so drama lah", recalling the toilet papers hoarding few weeks back.
One expressed confusion towards the latest news from Malaysia and Tan urged him to wait for government's official messages and stay calm.
Another said: "Steady lah, Singaporeans. Steady a bit."
You can watch the whole clip here:
After the first visit, Tan also went to the FairPrice outlet at NEX shopping mall.
Some residents were empty-handed and surprised by his visit.
Others were spotted doing usual grocery shopping, "buying what they need" unlike the previous round which was a bit "disturbing", Tan added.
Top photo collage via Tan Chuan Jin's Facebook