This time, the powers-that-be have decided to suspend the two-hour shopping rule which was announced last month.

To prevent panic buying

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry enforcement director Azman Adam told The Star Online that after a thorough discussion, the government has decided to suspend the rule after the government announced a full lockdown.

The reason? They do not want people to panic buy during the lockdown.

"When the lockdown was announced, we did not want people rushing to outlets with the two-hour limit.

"When they want to make payment, there is only 60 per cent of outlets' staff that are allowed to come to work and we were afraid that there were not enough people manning the counter (to deal with customers). So we have to lift it at the moment and people can take their time (to do shopping)," he was quoted as saying.

Despite that, Azman said Malaysians should not take advantage of the rule change and take their time when out grocery shopping.

"They should grab the items and leave as fast as possible and stay home," he added.

Under the original rule, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that shoppers can only spend a maximum of two hours at all retail premises, including shopping malls, beginning 25 May.