There’s a joke that’s going around social media that claims that the new currency in Hong Kong and Singapore is toilet paper.
Well… they aren’t exactly wrong, and this incident proves it:
Armed Robbers in Hong Kong Took Toilet Paper That’s Worth SGD$180 From Supermarket
Haven’t you heard? Toilet paper is all the rage now simply because it’s hard to come by amidst the whole novel coronavirus outbreak.
People have been hoarding daily essentials and toilet paper, rice, hand sanitiser and instant noodles are among them. In Hong Kong, things are getting serious.
Armed robbers stole hundreds of toilet paper amounting to S$180 and are currently being chased down by the police.
Their behaviour is likely sparked by panic-buying even though the government has tried to assure the public that there are enough essentials to go around.
Unfortunately, some still do not care and are resorting to drastic measures.
Delivery Man Threatened With Knife & Robbers Made Way With Toilet Paper
A police spokesman said, “A delivery man was threatened by three knife-wielding men who took toilet paper worth more than HK$1,000 (~S$180).”
The man was stopped by three men outside a supermarket in Mong Kok, which is a working-class district with a history of organised crime gangs.
Footage showed on Now TV showed the police standing around crates of toilet paper, one of which was only half stacked.
According to CNA, one of the reasons why people are panic buying and reacting this way is because Hong Kong remembers about SARS in 2003.
Back then, as many as 299 Hong Kongers passed away from SARS.
The outbreak of the virus started in the mainland but was initially covered up by Beijing which has led to great public distrust towards the government regarding public health issues.
We truly hope that the situation will get better. In the meantime, do remember to practice good personal hygiene and stay safe everyone.