Don’t panic buy: Buy your groceries online

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing a real scare, some consumers have begun panic buying groceries and essentials, to “stock up” for any eventuality. The prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in his special address today, urged Malaysians to “stay calm and not panic” while at the same time ordering a temporary Movement Control Order effective 18 March until 31 March 2020.

Understandably, people have the right to buy what they need. However, here are a couple of implications (which can be serious)—hoarding, which leaves many items out of stock or more expensive to buy; and the amassing of people in supermarkets and grocery stores (many unprotected, mind you).

There is another way, a better way; I’m sure the savvy has figured this out—buy your groceries online, folks.

Here is a list of your best options

MyGroser – the new kid on the block is also Malaysia’s first independent full-range online grocery store that delivers everything from fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit and dairy, frozen food, dry food and groceries to premium products, daily essentials and even ready-to-eat meals. What’s unique is that they have their own physical stores and cold rooms to ensure freshness and bakery items are baked-to-order. They offer over 9,000 grocery items and deliver daily between 9.00AM-9.00PM across most of the Klang Valley. MyGroser offers same-day delivery and you can also schedule your orders 30 days in advance. Delivery charges range from MYR8.90 to MYR12 and if your order exceeds MYR100, you enjoy free delivery. There is no minimum amount or quantity required for delivery.

HappyFresh – the incumbent online delivery champion offers a wide range of groceries from its 50-strong supermarket and specialty store partners including Mercato, Tesco, Village Grocer, TMC, Giant, Cold Storage and more. HappyFresh delivers in selected areas in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor and also offers same-day delivery. You can also schedule deliveries up to three days in advance. Delivery is daily from 10AM to 9PM including public holidays. Service/delivery fee varies based on store, delivery distance and time slot that you select.

Tesco Online – The hypermarket chain that needs no introduction. Tesco offers next day delivery; delivery slots are available in 2-hour delivery windows from 10AM to 10PM daily including public holidays. Tesco Online is currently available in selected cities and towns within the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Seremban. You can also opt to pick up your order in-store.

Jaya Grocer – The popular supermarket chain has 31 stores across the Klang Valley, Ipoh, Penang and Johor. Its online store offers fresh produce, imported goods and groceries, delivered to your doorstep daily. It offers next day delivery, 10AM to 9PM including public holidays.

Mydin – This popular homegrown hypermarket is 12-outlet strong across the country. Its online store carries a wide variety of halal products including groceries, health and beauty, household, Muslimin items and home and living products. It offers delivery from 10AM to 10PM daily. It charges a flat delivery rate of MYR10 regardless of date or timeslot chosen. You can also opt for in-store pickup.

Redtick – Two-year-old Redtick offers more than 10,000 different types of groceries—from fresh produce, dairy, confectionery, baby items to household products. It delivers between 9AM to 9PM (in two-hour delivery windows) and offers next day delivery in selected areas in the Klang Valley. Delivery fee is MYR10 to MYR15 depending on the delivery timeslot selected. You can get free delivery for orders over MYR150. Its value-added service Redtick Plus delivers nationwide but delivery time will be between one to five working days via logistic partners GDEX and DHL. This will cost you MYR8 for the first item and additional MYR2 for each additional item.

Potboy – This online grocery darkhorse sources over 10,000 groceries and household product directly from suppliers. What’s unique is that you can hand over your recyclable goods to them in exchange for Potboy Gold, their store credit. This store credit can be used to pay for your shopping. Potboy offers free shipping with no minimum order. The only downside is that they only deliver in select areas in the Klang Valley and expect delivery between three to five working days, excluding Sundays and public holidays.

Final note

With the Government’s Movement Control Order in place and the expected spike in demand for goods and groceries both offline and online, do expect delays in delivery. Check with your online grocer, stay calm and be patient.

Stay safe, be well

And, there you have it. Stay safe, wash your hands, don’t panic, practice social distancing and happy shopping!

Header image: Photo by nrd on Unsplash

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