Penangites shop a week earlier to avoid shortage

With Chinese New Year being just a week away, many shoppers from Penang are making a beeline to several markets on the Island to purchase goods to usher in the prosperous Year of the Dragon.

When Komunitikini visited the Air Itam market, it  was found that many shoppers decided to purchase goods for Chinese New Year as early as possible to avoid a last minute rush and shortage.

Housewife, Tam 38, spotted at a grocery shop stated that ‘it is better to be early rather than sorry’ when buying grocery goods for the New Year.

“As far as I am concerned, the stock at the grocery shops are already experiencing a shortage of supply” said Tam.

She also added that she counted herself lucky to have bought the things before the weekend.

Another housewife Siew Ling, who was spotted choosing vegetables stated that the prices of greens had soared tremendously compared to previous years.

“I would say that prices of vegetables had soared due to the unpredictably weather.”

As the Year of the Dragon draws closer, thousands of shoppers are expected to purchase extra food items to celebrate the festivities and the question of whether supply will be able to meet demands without prices spiraling out of control remains.