Photo: Ben's Independent Grocer
Cover Photo: Ben's Independent Grocer
There's no need for panic buying & even less reason for panic hoarding. During the country's partial lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, these supermarket chains & convenience stores in the Klang Valley will remain open, with some even allocating special shopping times for the elderly & the physically challenged.Updated on April 2, 2020

1. AEON Retail Malaysia

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Above Photo: AEON Retail Malaysia

If it weren't for the help of a representative on AEON's hotline, we wouldn't have located the above chart, which was buried under a tab named 'Promotions & Events.' Take note of the hypermarket chain's amended hours, which differ from branch to branch.

Hours & Locations

See the above chart for individual outlet hours.

2. Ben's Independent Grocer

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Above Photo: Ben's Independent Grocer

The BIG team has assured everyone that they are replenishing stocks every single day, and recently shared a flu-busting recipe for turmeric ginger tea on their Facebook page. Note that Ben's Independent Grocer at DC Mall closed down for good on March 16th, but there are four other outlets spread across the Klang Valley and beyond.

Hours & Locations

Bangsar Shopping Centre, Plaza Batai, Publika, The Linc KL & IPC Shopping Centre: Daily, 8am - 8pm.

3. FamilyMart

The explosion of konbini or Japanese-style convenience stores in Malaysia can be credited to better quality grab-and-go food, from oden bowls tailored to suit our penchant for spiciness to pillow-soft sandwiches with satisfying bread-to-filling ratios. While some outlets have seating areas, lingering is inadvisable at this point of time.

Hours & Locations

All outlets in the Klang Valley: Daily, 8am - 7.30pm.

4. Isetan KLCC Foodmarket

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Above Photo: Luretta DOP Italian Deli

Largely catering to expatriates living in KL's Golden Triangle, Isetan KLCC Foodmart is open whereas Isetan 1 Utama is shut for now. Be sure to stop by Luretta DOP Italian Deli's booth for cheese and wine to support the independent deli.

Hours & Locations

Concourse level of KLCC: Daily, 10am - 6pm.

5. Jaya Grocer

Netizens have heralded Jaya Grocer for showing special consideration towards senior citizens and the physically challenged in light of COVID-19. The vulnerable (and their caretakers) will enjoy exclusive access to Jaya supermarkets from 9am until 9.30am during the second stage of the MCO.

Hours & Locations

All outlets in KL & Selangor: Daily, 9.30am - 8pm.

6. Mydin

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Above Photo: Mydin

Specialising in halal goods, this local supermarket chain is also blocking off its first half hour of operations at select outlets. That way, seniors and customers with special needs need not rub shoulders with hoards of shoppers. Supermarket staff will also be on standby to assist seniors and OKUs, who have access to a priority checkout counter.

Hours & Locations

See image for Mydin's revised hours as of April 1st.

7. Tesco

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Tesco
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Tesco

If you think Malaysians are badly behaved, take stock of the Tesco store in Manchester that had to temporarily close doors due to overcrowding. So far so good, as far as Tesco Malaysia goes!

Chat with one of a customer service representative if you have any concerns.

Hours & Locations

Most Tesco supermarkets: Daily, 8am - 8pm.

See provided timetable for slight variances at select branches.

8. Village Grocer

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Above Photo: Village Grocer

Specialising in imported produce and goods, Village Grocer will stay open throughout these trying times while enforcing sanitary habits among its cashiers, floor staff and transport team.

"To our senior, frail and vulnerable customers, we dedicate the first business hour of each weekday morning (Monday – Friday) for your sole shopping use," reads a statement on their official website.

Hours & Locations

1 Mont Kiara, Atria Shopping Gallery, Bangsar Village, Central i-City, Citta Mall, Desa Parkcity Arkadia, EkoCheras Mall, M City, Melawati Mall, SS15 Courtyard, Sunsuria Forum, Tamarind Square, Tropicana Avenue, Tropicana Gardens, Daily, 8am - 8pm.

For outlets that are not mentioned here, please visit Village Grocer's official website.

*Note that only seniors and special needs customers may enter the supermarket in its first hour of operations on weekdays.

9. Your Local 'Kedai Runcit'

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Above Photo: Yoon Byungwoo on Unsplash

Last but not least, don't forget to support that kedai runcit or local grocery store in your neighbourhood. Mom-and-pop businesses feel the blow of coronavirus more than chain stores.

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