By Syamimi Syaza
2020 has not been the brightest year, not even a decent one for some. 14-days off work turned into months long of upheaval in our routines and staying composed is not all plain sailing, certainly dreadful for most.
It is not a tranquil journey with those afflicted switching boats while being on the breadline. It is alarming how drastic of a change this pandemic has affected us, with economy being one of the major concerns of all.
Financial strain rooting from unemployment and poverty is associated with the decline of health for both physical and mental of an individual. It is no coincidence that these would go hand-in-hand and even more during this trying time.
One cannot help but to feel the burden of the uncertainty of coming to the end of this wide-spread virus. While the situation looks somewhat better in certain countries, the pandemic has been raging on in general affecting our well-being.
Plans of action in defending livelihoods for the bottom 40% of household in Malaysia are evident through programmes such as PRIHATIN, a package of economic support involving entrepreneurs and other informal workers. With this programme being an alternative to give this group of households some breathing space, it shows the significance of outside support to individuals in need.
From a recent survey conducted by Malaysia’s Department of Statistics, it is revealed that during the first phase of Malaysia’s lockdown, the rate of unemployment was particularly high, especially among the sectors that employ low-income workers.
While economy being one of the prime concerns for us to fix, some might be emotionally tested with their faith and inner strength following the sudden outbreak of Covid-19.
Focusing on Muslims in general, the pandemic is a great trial for unwavering belief and confidence in Allah. Losing hardly earned jobs and your loved ones is a lot to take in such a short period of time. The unseen assistance is much needed as much as the physical help we receive from human beings and it is Allah who we seek upon calamity.
Most of us are making efforts to bear with difficulties on our own, without adding any burden to the striving individuals around us. Wishful thinking of a soul, unseen but never from the Al-Aleem, The All-Knowing.
Thoughts we keep hidden, undeniably clear to the one and only Creator aren’t meant to be a secret between us and Allah. He knows of the unspoken prayers, of that split second thought crossing our mind. To conceal from the one who created our every cell and muscle is vain. He said “And your Lord said: “Call upon Me, I will answer you. Verily, those who scorn My worship they will surely enter Jahannam in humiliation!” (Quran 40:60)
There is no better time to put our doubts away, to lift up our hands in prayer and ask Him for He is Ar-Razzaaq, The Provider. Doubts and confusion shouldn’t be swaying our faith in asking Him in every situation. It is in the nature of the weak to expect things upon asking.
At times, pain and trials blind us from every goodness within. Grownups have a tendency to seek healing through isolation as a common mechanism in coping but it doesn’t make it a go-to solution even though most would prefer this as no pressure or expectation should be met.
Self-quarantine makes this a more common occurrence these days as we spend most of our time keeping a distance from each other. Extreme isolation is futile as self-quarantine is done for the sake of containing the virus from spreading and it is no mean to alienate an individual from society. Many studies show that social isolation leads to cognitive decline.
Based on English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), after four years those who reported having fewer social contacts and activities at the beginning of the study showed greater decline in cognitive function, as measured in the aspect of verbal fluency and memory recall tasks.
This supports the theory of our humanly need for social interaction with each other, even more with God during this pandemic. Capability to endure and survive increases with the presence of a company, with a firm heart depending on Allah solely. So make prayers and provide yourself with the unconditional support from The Great, the one who listens. The turner of hearts has the power to heal us out of our misery as He places and removes feelings, for it is something Allah does with ease.
Furthermore, resilience in crisis is much needed to survive the plight, even more for the already struggling bunch. Privileged are those with option B in continuing life as it is with the ongoing changes. Movement restrictions aimed to control the spreading of COVID-19 resulted in mounting data of domestic abuse worldwide, prospering in circumstances created by the pandemic.
Hotlines are lighting up with cases of domestic abuse contributed by families spending more time together, one of the factors increasing the risk of violence at home. An increase in individuals reporting for mental health difficulties are also one of the issues raised. We are in dire need to look out for each other, with the unfortunate ones being our priority.
Extra workload is being put on workers to compensate for undermanned jobs in various fields such as medical and food delivery service. While medical workers being evident heroes on the list, the continuity of daily lives in pandemic is eased by so many other unremarked professions.
Cleanliness has never seemed of a bigger concern than it is now. Essential employees are joining the rank of nation’s front-liners in providing their service despite the crisis. For instance, hospital cleaners are directly involved in cleaning high risk locations, an important role in the fight against COVID-19.
Throughout the year, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are highly affected as they represent 98.5 percent of registered businesses in Malaysia that employ 70 percent of the nation’s manpower. A total of RM70-million economic stimulus package is prepared by the government as an incentive to aid SMEs along with RM10-million package of “Pakej Kedai Pintar” to assist over 50, 000 local SMEs to digitise their products while stabilising jobs in supporting the country’s economy.
Throughout the devastating months of 2020, considerable insight has been gained into the gravely effect COVID-19 had cost us. However, this pandemic had undeniably brought a few good amend to the existing nodus. As economics has grounded to a halt, so has the carbon emissions that has been declining throughout the year.
Alongside the decrease in pollution, waterways around the globe are becoming clearer due to the reduction of normally stirred up sediment by boats. From the online appointments to online community occasions and events, there have been more chances for disabled individuals and social introverts to join along with the comfort of their homes.
The surge in number of helping hands sacrificing their time, energy and money corroborate the hope of Malaysia as a nation that keeps growing for its people. Countless unsung heroes have been breaking sweat and we are united now more than ever in defying damages COVID-19 is putting us under as immeasurable effort by everyone involved have been holding our country together despite the constant fluctuation of cases.
One-off payment as a token of appreciation to our front-liners are given for their persistence in tackling prime concerns under the pressure of doing it for the first time. Awards are also being given to the deserving leaders that put so much work to obliterate the pandemic since day one.
Much can be learned from the unexpected circumstances the world has been through. One of them being the realisation that after all everyone is equal. The virus simply does not choose.
2020 has finally connected us in a way that shows we need to stick together. While many of us are in consternation, this year displays the weight of humanity that was slowly fading. We humans are weak by ourselves, our power lies in being together.
We need to remember the importance of kindness and how far it can bring us together. It took lives and lost of freedom for us to learn our lessons. Fear of being infected has finally taught us to be mindful of our surrounding and things we indulge ourselves in.
The saying of there is good in every evil would be a tiny consolation to make up for the tiring year we all had. A lot has been taken away from us and we are all trying to make do with everything we have left.
It is best for us to keep going without looking back and clinging on to hurtful occurrence. With life manuals we gained the hard way, it is safe to say maybe the world will finally change. Maybe we can finally change! ***