Kuala Lumpur:The public has been advised against engaging in panic buying or excessively stockpiling food in anticipation of the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon (MTL), urging people instead to prepare According toir specific needs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim emphasized that the dissemination of unverified information, particularly on social media, might trigger panic buying and lead to issues such as supply disruptions. He noted observing Facebook posts suggesting people stock up on food, which he cautioned against as it could result in shortages rather than addressing a monsoon-related disaster.

Meor Ismail also recommended that the public take basic precautionary measures, such as safeguarding important documents and belongings by placing them in elevated locations to prevent flood damage. He advised families with elderly members, persons with disabilities (PwD), and pregnant women to plan their evacuation to safer areas in advance if their homes are at risk of flooding.

He further stressed the importance of staying informed through official weather updates and forecasts and urged the public to move to temporary relief centers when instructed. Meor Ismail assured that these centers have been prepared to ensure the welfare of flood victims.

Additionally, he cautioned against the spread of sensational news, particularly by social media influencers, which could incite public anxiety. He warned that in the past, individuals have been arrested for posting panic-inducing videos.