Zika outbreak prompts greedy asshats to flip insect repellents for profits online

What’s the easiest, most common way for Singaporeans to make some quick cash? Hoard whatever’s all the rage or limited edition, and immediately put ’em up for sale online at jacked up prices. 

You may hate flippers, but there’s a reason why they exist — enablers who are willing to expend extra cash just keep buying from them. It’s happened for Hello Kitty plushies; it’s happened for Taiwanese milk tea; it’s happened for Kanye West’s already overpriced merch.

While the Zika virus continues to rage on across Singapore, you’d think folks would unite against the outbreak. 

Nah, not really. Flippers have been out and about, apparently hoarding insect repellents off the shelf and selling them online for quick profits. For shame, dawg. 

Photo: Carousell screengrab

Exploiting the fears of infection, these folks leave people no choice but to pay the extra coin to protect themselves from the virus. After all, most pharmaceutical outlets and supermarkets are currently experiencing shortages in insect repellent. 

The price they’re selling on Carousell…

…and the price they’re selling on NTUC Fairprice Online.

 

It’s just sad, because they might be depriving the repellents to the ones who are at the highest risk for the Zika virus — pregnant ladies. If infected during pregnancy, the virus could cause severe neurological defects in babies including eye problems, hearing loss and impaired growth. 

Out of stock on NTUC Fairprice Online.
A Carousell flipper’s price.

It’s a good thing that pharmacies have wised up to the flippers. Some have placed strict limits on purchases to ensure that all are able to have access to adequate protection during the outbreak. Thankfully, flippers and their enablers only form a very small portion of Singaporeans — surely we have more sense than that. 

Photo: HardwareZone


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