James Kon

Concerns over the spreading of Wuhan coronavirus has caused the demand for medical masks to surge in China and other Asian countries.

In Brunei Darussalam, the Guardian retail pharmacy quickly ran out of supplies, amid reports of confirmed cases in neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Despite restocking their shelves yesterday afternoon, all Guardian Brunei outlets were out of a fresh batch by 6.30pm.

One disappointed customer, Mohammad Hassan, told the Bulletin, “I’m hoping to find at least some at the convenience shops around town. Given the current situation, we must always be prepared.”

A staff member at Guardian Brunei assured that a fresh delivery of disposal masks would arrive in two weeks.