SINGAPORE — A disruption of supplies from Malaysia is a scenario that Singapore has been planning for over “many years”, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, as he reiterated that there are ready stockpiles of food as well as alternative import sources.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday (March 17) morning, hours after Malaysia announced a nationwide lockdown, he also said companies that need help housing their Malaysian workers could approach Singapore’s economic agencies and work with their respective trade associations.

On Monday night, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a televised address that his government would close the country's borders from March 18 to 31, to prevent Covid-19 from spreading further in Malaysia. 

“Not all details are available yet, but we are in contact with the Malaysian authorities as they work out their operation details today,” Mr Chan said on Tuesday.

Seeking to reassure Singaporeans about the country’s food supplies, he said the nation has plans to manage this contingency with a combination of stockpiling, building up its domestic production and diversifying its overseas sources of food supplies.

“This combination of stockpiling and local production will allow us time to bring in alternative supplies, should our usual supply lines be disrupted,” said Mr Chan. 

WHAT’S IN OUR STOCKPILES

While Mr Chan did not reveal actual figures of what is in the national larder, stating that it would “affect negotiations” with overseas suppliers, he did give estimates. 

Carbohydrates (rice and noodles)

• More than three months’ worth of stockpile at the national level.

• Singapore has domestic production capabilities for noodles, which can be ramped up as necessary.

Proteins (meat and vegetables)

• More than two months’ worth of stockpile for normal consumption.

• Singapore has a combination of fresh, frozen and canned options to meet demand.

Eggs

• Singapore has local production capacity, but it will also activate other airfreight options to bring in substitute supplies, should Malaysian supplies be disrupted.

Mr Chan clarified that while various countries have imposed travel restrictions, these do “not equate to restrictions in the supply chain”.

“To all fellow Singaporeans, while we may have to make some adjustments to our choices, we do have sufficient supplies for all Singaporeans, so long as we buy responsibly,” he said.

HOUSING MALAYSIAN WORKERS

Mr Chan said that since Monday night, many employers have asked if temporary accommodation can be provided for their Malaysian workers who wish to stay in Singapore.

“During this period, our economic agencies are working with the companies’ dormitory operators and hotels to provide options for the companies,” he said.

“So companies that need help for their workers' accommodation can contact our economic agencies and also work with their trade associations.”

Mr Chan added that he understands the fear and anxiety among some Singaporeans.

But he said that Singaporeans who remain calm can “reassure those who are anxious”, so that the country can get through this crisis together as “one united people”.

“While we may be anxious individually, we can also draw strength as a community. We must remember to reach out to the weaker and more vulnerable ones in our society even amid our fears.”