KUALA LUMPUR: The demand for surgical face masks and hand sanitizers nationwide continues to rise as fears over the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) mounts. With the two items being out of stock for close to two weeks, consumers are growing anxious over when the goods will be restocked and available for sale. A member of the public, Faezatul Adilah A. Sabri, 26, is hoping that the items will be available soon.

“Nowadays, it is extremely difficult to get face masks. I’ve searched high and low and went to many pharmacies around Damansara for these items and they’re all sold out.

“When I asked when will they be restocked, the retailers cannot give me a definite answer, saying they are also waiting for suppliers to update them. “I really hope they will find a solution to this as soon as possible, as people are getting more anxious and worried every day,” she said. Faezatul, who works in the media industry, said for now, she is doing her best to avoid crowded areas. “I just stay indoors if I don’t have any activities or work that require me to go outside. At this point in time, no matter how scary the situation is, I believe people should stay calm and remain indoors as much as they can,” she said.

Meanwhile, design engineer, Fatin Athirah Nurol Hadi said she also faced difficulty in buying face masks and hand sanitizers. The 25-year-old said it has been a habit of hers to keep a steady supply of face masks, but her supply is running out. “I’ve been looking to stock up on face masks for two weeks now, and yet every drugstore I went into was sold out of it. There are none to be found, even online. “As for hand sanitizers, I was fortunate that I managed to buy some from a Bath & Body Works outlet. I was told by their staff that each customer could only purchase a limited number of hand sanitizers.

“I believe that given how in-demand the item is, the company is doing its best to ensure that there is adequate supply for all customers,” she said. She said retailers shouldn’t be blamed as they also appear anxious about receiving their new stock. Fatin said she has also gone out earlier in the morning for her usual jog in order to avoid people. Another member of the public, Nur Azean Abdul Rahim, 25, chose to see the positive side of things. She said it was a sign of people becoming more health-conscious and aware of the need to care for each other.

“This only means that people are very aware of the current situation. They also appear to be doing their best to protect themselves and others, such as practising good sneezing and coughing etiquette,” she said. Nur Azean, who is a building surveyor, hopes the situation will improve soon.

“I believe I speak for almost everyone when I say we hope that those involved in supply and distribution of face masks and hand sanitizers to step up their production and distribute these items as quickly as possible.

“Seeing how it is very much in demand, and I believe people will start to buy in bulk from now on, maybe the suppliers can arrange for a weekly stock distribution or some sort, or maybe even add on to their production quantities,” she said.