BY ALVERDTEKOSTER ANYAP
As expected, the recovery movement control order (RMCO) has been extended until the end of 2020 because there are still Covid-19 cases in the country.
Everything is still under control but with new clusters emerging, it is proving to be a challenge for the government to curb the spread of the disease.
The announcement of the extension was made by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Aug 28. He also supported the suggestion from the Ministry of Health to increase the compound from RM1,000 to RM10,000.
He added that those found not complying with regulations and guidelines would be punished and that no one is exempted from the law.
Though it is for our own wellbeing, it also gives us a chance to reflect. We have the opportunity to spend more time with our family, no matter where we are, physically or virtually.
We are able to gain new skills like cooking, crafting, photography, singing and even doing some game streaming online.
Even so, what if the RMCO were to be lifted? What will happen to us? Do we go back to our normal life like before? Do we still need to practise social distancing?
Several individuals had this to say about a what-if scenario.
“Things may be back to normal. Social distancing will be practised and people will still live the ‘new norm’ life. The country’s economy will recover eventually but at a slow pace,” said Adriance Dyllan, 23.
He added that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) needed to be followed by everyone and that they still need to practise social distancing as usual to prevent the emergence of new clusters.
Mohd Irwan Fadzly Ibrahim, 25, said, “It will allow us to go back to the normal life slowly. But there are important things we need to be concerned of, like people not practising social distancing and not wearing face masks.”
“If the RMCO ended, life will be back to normal without the (face) mask. Face masks affect my daily communication. Emotions, volume and expression are all covered by the face mask, and it is hard for me,” said Seow Jia Ling, 23.
Foong Zi Qing, 23, said, “People will not follow the rules again if the RMCO ends. People need to adapt to the new situation. Everyone must follow the guidelines if we want to feel safe from Covid-19.”
She gave another respond that “it is very challenging for everyone, especially those in the education field.”
“University students used to be in class physically and it was fun, but with Covid-19 around, it is really different.”
Irwan also gave his thoughts on the impact of Covid-19 on students struggling to find places to stay, just for the sake of completing their education and also concerned that not all students would benefit through online classes, especially those in rural areas.
When asked about the extension of the RMCO, Adriance agreed that it should be extended because “we are dealing with something that we cannot see.”
Irwan agreed, saying, “Yes, RMCO needs to be extended because we need to take precautions.”
So, what lessons did they learn from the beginning of the MCO on March 18 until now?
“Always have savings for emergencies, practise good hygiene and, most importantly, look out for each other,” said Adriance.
For Irwan, he said that it’s a spiritual thing “because it’s been long since people went to their worship places and we miss it.
“It is also about communicating and helping each other during this kind of situation.”
He said that as a student, he felt that it was hard for some to be far from their family and it was unfortunate that some could not go home.
“Well, during the MCO, I learned how to cook and improve on it. My friends said that I need to improve, so I took this chance to improve and hope everything tastes good,” quipped Zi Qing.
Jia Ling added, “Put on face mask if you are going out. It will be weird if you do not wear it. A hand sanitiser should be brought along with you wherever you go. Wash your hands and legs once you’re back home.”
Active Covid-19 cases and clusters are still here and while the situation is under control, we need to always be vigilant.
