Buy only what’s necessary

Published on: Tuesday, June 09, 2020

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Pic (Bernama) for illustration only.

THE impact of the movement control order (MCO) is being felt by everyone irrespective of their financial and social status. But despite the pain, difficulties and financial constraints many Malaysians are facing, this could be a small window of opportunity to bring positive changes to the lifestyle of consumers.

Consumer activists have for a long time advocated prudent consumption behaviour. Issues concerning wasteful consumption, impulse buying, lack of household financial planning resulting in high debts, and adoption of healthy lifestyles that can protect the environment have been raised constantly.

Yes, we can understand the panic buying because of the fear of not knowing what to expect during the MCO period. But the sight of unpacked and expired loaves of bread being thrown away (as reported) shows a complete lack of common sense and poor consumer awareness.

Going into another week of the MCO, consumer NGOs including the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) have reported that there is less food wastage and consumers are either consciously or unconsciously doing what the activists have been advocating. Some are slowly realising that they can do what they once thought to be impossible, such as:

- Cooking at home for the whole family;

- Buying only what is necessary;

- Doing housework which would normally be done by the part-time help;

- Increased awareness of personal hygiene;

- Ensuring that food is bought from places that are hygienic;

- Increased consciousness of household budgeting; and

- Spending quality time with the family at home.

Is this short-term adjustment in consumer behaviour enough to get us over this difficult period? It is predicted that both the global and national economy can take a year or even more to recover.

Malaysian consumers in general must be prepared to face the challenges ahead. This means they need to consciously change their lifestyle to cope with the circumstances.

It is said that adversity can be the best teacher. Can the present situation provide that small window of opportunity for consumers to learn some lessons? They would need to unlearn some habits, particularly consumption patterns and lifestyles. The change must be embraced because it is the right thing to do. Let’s be prudent consumers from now on.

- Consumer