Strangers risking their lives for us, frontliners in Malaysia

Frontliners in our essential sectors share their thoughts on the pandemic and how they cope.

By Lee Yi Von

*Some names in the article are fictitious to protect the identities of the individuals mentioned.

In Malaysia, Covid-19 cases have been skyrocketing with a collective total of 290,000 cases to-date, putting us at third place behind Indonesia and the Philippines for highest Covid cases in Southeast Asia. Amidst this widespread pandemic, healthcare frontliners have to sacrifice everything, from their mental to physical health to serve the country. Meanwhile, frontliners in other sectors like e-commerce and food & beverages (FNB) are struggling financially, with their lives and jobs at risk in these already terrifying times.

“It was scary during the first wave of Covid,” said Vincent, a 28-year-old Dentist, who volunteered for 6 weeks during the initial stages of the pandemic. “Not much was known about the virus, but I still decided to help the KLIA team to contribute back to my country.” Vincent is now back to working in a dental clinic in Petaling.

Ever since the pandemic, healthcare frontliners are in high demand, however, Malaysia has always had an issue with a less than adept healthcare system.

“We’re heavily understaffed,” said Sean Thum, a 29-year-old Psychiatry Specialist who frontlined in Sabah for 4 months in October, which at the time had a large spike in cases and underwent a major lockdown.

Thum in PPE standing outside INTAN Sabah Image courtesy of Thum

He explains that there is a lack of medical staff and too much work to cover, especially if his colleagues end up having to go under quarantine too. “Brain drain is a real issue in Malaysia too” said Thum, “along with lack of funds and resources in healthcare, it’s difficult for us right now”. Thum has always been an advocate for voicing out in Malaysia’s current affairs; being an active member of the Malaysian Media Association (MMA), Johor and ex-President of Malaysia Medics International (MMI) , he attends various events, giving press statements.

Thum (first row, furthest left) among committee members of MMA, Johor Image courtesy of Thum

“There’s heavy mental stress too”, he added, “every day I put on the personal protective equipment (PPE), wondering if it’s secure. If not, I might risk bringing the virus home to my whole family”.

Thum is not alone.

Teh.C preparing for morning swab tests Image courtesy of Teh.C

Despite being proud to volunteer for the role, Teh.C, a 26-year-old Dentist, currently frontlining in Seri Kembangan, expresses his concerns of having to come home to his family every day after work. “Even now, I’ve still kept my distance physically from them, even if we are in the same house,” said Teh.C. “They were sad and worried at first, but it’s become sort of a norm now for us,” he said.

“The sad truth is the community does not understand how much Covid affects us. We put our lives, and even our family's lives at risk to protect them,” explains Seline, a 28-year-old Dental Officer who has been frontlining for the past 3 months in Selangor, where cases are at an all-time high of 900 daily. “We are repaid with negligence, arrogance and denial as we watch the cases rise each day” she explains. “We forget that Covid does not discriminate by race, age or gender, and when it is too late, we can only reflect on past actions”.

Seline’s message holds true, as other essential sectors are dealing with the same situation. They as well, risk their lives going out to the front lines, but sometimes, not by choice.

Tzu Shin (front) with her mother (back) Image courtesy of Tzu Shin

Tzu Shin, a 22-year-old Graphic Design student, began her own e-commerce business 2 months ago during the pandemic as a way to earn income after her mother was retrenched. “We live next door to my grandparents as well and they’re super worried” she said, “but we have to do this to put food on the table and support the family”.

Tzu Shin and her mother make home baked goods such as custards and curry puffs, which they personally deliver to their customers.

Freshly baked curry puffs by Tzu Shin and her mother Image courtesy of Tzu Shin

“Sometimes we drive up to 4 to 7 hours on the road, just delivering orders,” she added. “The cooking process is tiring as well because we have to make big batches and freshly prepare them which can take up to a whole day”. She also manages the store online by herself while juggling her degree studies, as her mother is not as familiar with technology.

“Please just wear your mask,” said Daveen, a 22-year-old bartender, who has been working in Sri Petaling even before the pandemic began. He expresses his frustration towards customers not following the SOPs. “We do take sanitation seriously, making sure that everything is wiped down and sanitized daily before and after work hours, but people like that just ruin our efforts”.

Temperature scan and mySejahtera registration station at Daveen's workplace Image courtesy of Daveen

Times were less stressful before the pandemic. Before SOPs and masks were vital to our survival. When just going out for a casual grocery run suddenly became a risky thing to do.

Sean had at first intended to visit his brother in the UK last October however, had to cancel his plans due to the pandemic.

Seline, reminiscent of pre Covid times, misses going on various travels, particularly spending time with her family at E&O Hotel, Penang.

Sunset during a plane ride to Bali Image courtesy of Seline

Vincent as well, says that he truly enjoyed when there was freedom to travel and go outdoors.  He feels nostalgic, talking about his time spent in Jeju Island, Korea.

People fishing in Jeju Island, Korea Image courtesy of Vincent

Before Covid, Teh.C had interests in street photography and videography, allowing him to express his creativity. “I also miss breakdancing with my friends in the studios,” he added.

Teh.C breakdancing Image courtesy of Teh.C

Nowadays, Teh.C immerses himself in caring for his vast indoor plant collection, which he started as a way to cope with stress during the pandemic.

Teh.C caring for his plants Image courtesy of Teh.C

Tzu Shin enjoyed when she was able to go to university physically. “During online classes now, I keep getting interrupted to go help my mom, or settle things for my business. I really do miss just being a regular university student,” she said.

During his free time, Daveen began the habit of reading philosophical e-books. “It started out of curiosity, but they got really interesting,” he said.

Most of them lack the free time now, busy with saving lives and trying to survive in these harsh times. Our frontliners have done so much for us, and it’s time we return the favour.

Stay home, stay safe.