Malaysians Concerned Over Possibility Of MCO Round 2: Protect The People’s Health Or Livelihood?
It’s a tricky balance.
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With the number of Covid-19 cases in the country steadily rising, many Malaysians are concerned over the possibility of another lockdown.
For some, it is the fear of the spread of the virus; but for others, it is a setback they cannot afford especially after the first round of MCO.
Hoping for another lock-down is pretty much a sign of privilege.
— Mediha (@mediha_m) September 28, 2020
Not everyone spends a lock-down sipping 'dalgona coffee' and watering indoor plants while their salaries continue to be banked into their accounts.
The conversation raised the very important question: should the focus be on protecting the people’s health and impose a second lockdown should things go south, or should the focus be on protecting the people’s livelihoods, especially the financial struggles after the first round lockdown?
A lot of Malaysians agreed with Mediha, citing the financial difficulties faced.
They forget that the vast majority of Malaysians depend on "kias pagi, makan pagi. Kias petang, makan petang".
— Ravi Rasalingam (@RaviRasalingam) September 29, 2020
Was just saying this to my colleagues this morning! As much as we want the virus contained, the effects of Covid-19 go beyond what we can see. So many lives are affected by the MCO, and we can't simply cry out for lockdowns when people's livelihood is at stake.
— Ms Mimie (@MsMimieA) September 28, 2020
Even though MCO didn’t affect me financially but it did leave an impact on my mental health. I was stressed, didn’t eat well, lost weight, I couldn’t sleep well, bad dreams, constant fear and many many more. My soul isn’t fit to stand another episode of MCO 😭 https://t.co/C2I2O0KUtk
— ken lee. (@diyahyihyuh) September 29, 2020
But others cautioned that an unchecked pandemic will wreak untold havoc on the economy anyway.
I agree, I was retrenched from the last pkp. But at this rate, I’d rather lose a few months of income if it means a safer community with lower number of cases. Clearly if we keep things as they are, it’ll get worst and the economic effects would be worst as well. Just my 2 cents
— Atiqah • Erlina (@haqita_erlina) September 28, 2020
Acah bagus je semua..
— Ahli Bersatu Seumur Hidup (@ertugrulmerlin1) September 28, 2020
Cuba ada family mati sebab Covid-19, baru tahu erti penyesalan..
Memang la lockdown affect Ekonomi, tapi kes covid makin merebak sampai budak skolah berlambak kena, bagus ke utk ekonomi?
Fikir guna otak..
I tak disagree with what she said but we hope for another lock-down for our own safety and health 🙂 I know it’s not easy for everyone so please wear your mask and social distancing 🥰 https://t.co/ocmAs0YX6e
— Rasa Shaayang ♡ (@nrshsha) September 28, 2020
The pandemic is a difficult thing to navigate, and 2020 is already difficult enough as it is. For the time being, Malaysians can only take the utmost precaution to practice physical distancing rules.
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