Shoplifting often happens in hypermarkets. Nonetheless, the Managing Director of Mydin, Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin in a press conference organised by Industries Unite (IU) yesterday (6 July) share that thefts in hypermarkets like Mydin had indeed gone up, unfortunately, they are not stealing high-value items.
He said that from his experience, people normally steal televisions, speakers and other high-value items as they were able to sell them for cash. However, it has all changed since the Covid-19 pandemic landed in Malaysia.
Ameer said that the people are now resorting to steal basic food products as that is what it is required to continue their lives.
“But now, the thieves are stealing ikan kembung (mackerels). It’s sad,” he said.
According to Malaysiakini, Ameer also share that the sales of instant noodles had skyrocketed too. He then commented that this is not because people are too lazy to cook, instead these people were unable to afford anything else except instant noodles.
“Noodles are the cheapest way to fill your stomach. Is that how we want people to fill their stomachs? It’s very sad.” He added.
Responding to the saddening situation, Ameer, who is also president of the Bumiputera Retailers’ Association said that Mydin had even rolled out an initiative to help those in need recently and they received an overwhelming response of 5,000 requests just within 24 hours.
In addition, he urged the government to revise their strategy in battling the Covid-19 outbreak and recovering the economy as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, another IU co-founder, David Gurupatham shared that the new strategy must be made so that people do not suffer from losing their sources of income and at the same time curbing the spread of Covid-19.
He added that the recent Bendera Putih or White Flag campaign is the evidence that Malaysians are already suffering economically.
Nonetheless, he mentioned that the IU coalition is ready to offer help to the government in designing a suitable approach to spur the country’s economy during these challenging times.
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts!
Watch the statement from Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin here:
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