Popular Instant Noodles Sold Out On NTUC FairPrice Website, Netizens Suggest Supporting Provision Shops
DORSCON orange is upon us and Singaporeans are panic-buying necessities from supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice even though they don’t really need to.
The situation has gotten so bad that supermarkets struggle to keep their products stocked as shoppers wipe out the shelves as soon as they restock them.
Since physical stores here can’t keep up with the crazy demands of shoppers, many have taken to online shopping.
Sadly, it looks like that could soon take a turn, too.
Instant noodles selling out fast on NTUC FairPrice website
As of time of writing, NTUC FairPrice’s website is still well-stocked, but the more popular brands of instant noodles are selling out. Nissin, Maggi, Indomie, Myojo — all that’s left are a few packets of obscure flavours or more expensive brands.
Screenshot of NTUC FairPrice’s website
Source
It seems like so many Singaporeans have been stocking up on necessities that even online stores are running out of them.
The panic-buying situation has gotten so bad that NTUC FairPrice has had to set quotas of how much each customer is entitled to purchase.
That hasn’t stopped shoppers from stocking up though. Some have allegedly even made a trip across the causeway to Malaysia to buy basic necessities in bulk.
Provision shops may be a good alternative
It’s a lot of trouble to drive 2 hours and go through immigration just to get your hands on noodles and toilet paper, even if you’re desperate.
Many seem to have forgotten that there’s a much more convenient alternative (literally) right under their noses.
In a Facebook post, We Are Majulah, a social movement group, reminded Singaporeans that neighbourhood provision shops have all the necessities we need too.
With perpetually “No queue” and “lots of stocks”, provision shops are actually the perfect way to get the supplies you need without having to queue for hours.
The neighbourhood shops seem to be bursting with stocks too.
Netizens supportive of movement
Some netizens took to the comments of the Facebook post to share their experiences when shopping at provision shops.
The shops are open till late, so you can stock up almost anytime you want.
Remember — as of now, provision shops don’t have quotas, so technically you can buy as much as you like, though we discourage wiping out the poor aunty or uncle’s humble store.
If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, you can probably pick up a childhood favourite snack or two while you’re at it.
Provision shops need more support
If that’s not enough to convince you to shop at these gems of Singapore’s heritage, think of the uncles and aunties manning the store.
Managing a small, independent business definitely isn’t easy. With the variety of goods supermarkets have, along with their lower operating costs, provision shops can hardly keep up.
They have no choice but to price their goods slightly higher, putting customers off.
With few loyal customers and less sales, it’s difficult for them to cover costs, which is why they’re gradually becoming less common.
Many of these older people running the stores depend on the sales revenue for their livelihood.
We should take this opportunity to support these provision shops if we can. They might charge slightly more, but if you’re desperate, what difference does 20 cents make?
It’s definitely more worth than buying from online resellers who are taking advantage of the recent grocery stocking rush.
Keep calm and carry on, and help out if you can
That said, it’s not essential for us to begin stockpiling food and preparing for a nation-wide lockdown.
We should avoid engaging in panic-buying of necessities and masks, as it’s just creating more fear and uncertainty.
Although we should remain cautious and be vigilant, we don’t have to take it too far. DORSCON Orange just means that we have to be more careful.
If you’ve already stocked up and plan to stay in more, good for you. On the other hand, if you’ve purchased too many bags of rice and toilet paper in your kiasu-ed frenzy, you can always donate them to The Food Bank Singapore.
Their 200,000 beneficiaries need sanitation supplies and food just as much as we do, so feel obliged to pass some on if you have more than enough for yourself.
You can make monetary donations to their cause here, too, or even help out as a volunteer.
Let’s try to make the best of what we have now, and help out those who may need a little extra support.
Featured image adapted from NTUC FairPrice.
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