The movement control order (MCO) is a cordon sanitaire implemented as a preventive measure by the federal government of Malaysia in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. With ample time on their hands, many Malaysians have taken the initiative to try new things and unearth their hidden talents.
So much time in hand
The movement control order (MCO) left many with the luxury of time — something that you don’t usually have before the pandemic. With over a month and counting, the MCO had turned many into master chefs, green thumb, book worms, impulse shoppers and others.
It took this ‘blessing in disguise’ moment for society to discover its hidden talents and hobbies. New Sarawak Tribune interviewed five different individuals who were previously busy with their careers and studies before the MCO, and have now uncovered their hidden talents.
- Melvina Selvia
Project administrator Melvina could not go to work due to the MCO. Hence, her time at home for the past one month had been spent working from home, trying new recipes and watching movies, dramas and animes.
The 26-year-old said that if not for the MCO, she would not have upgraded her skills in cooking and baking. “I spent most of my time looking for and trying new recipes.”
The lockdown had made her realise that she was always busy with work and had rarely spent time with her family. “This MCO gave me a break from my busy life at work, and it is very much needed!”
However, when asked if she would want another MCO in the future, Melvina said no. “The MCO hindered me from visiting my relatives, hanging out with my friends, shopping and most importantly, prevented me from travelling.”
- Kelly Chang Chen Yung
According to Kelly, the MCO did not affect his daily routine. The multimedia designer said that every day he would eat, sleep, work, exercise, play games and socialise. “It’s the normal routine, just minus the outdoor activities like fishing, hanging out and game party.”
The 26-year-old said he did not realise how dire the crisis was until it made a lot of countries go for major lockdowns. “And a situation like this can impact people of different walks of life. Nonetheless, I was surprised to see how people make an effort into everything.”
From there, he learned to cherish the moments with his loved one and to show more love and affection to them.
If ever the world experienced a crisis such as this pandemic, Kelly said he does not mind going through another needed MCO.
- Carmen Diana Wong
Carmen, a freelance graphic designer cum florist, says her daily routine during the MCO consists of eating, sleeping, cooking, baking, designing for clients and arranging flowers.
The 24-year-old said she is grateful for this period at home as she is able to spend more time with her mother who works in West Malaysia. “I used this MCO to spend more time with her.”
MCO had taught her to cherish the time she has with the family. She also took the opportunity to clean more, and cook more, “As home-cooked food makes my family happy!” She had also experimented with different recipes to indulge her cravings during the lockdown. “I can’t simply go out to buy what I want to eat, so I chose to make them myself.”
As she enjoys the moment, she would want another MCO in the future as she could do things that could not be done before lockdown. “Even though it can be boring, this is a once in a lifetime moment, to take a long break without needing to apply for annual leave.”
- Aziza Aznizan
Philanthropist Aziza, also a university student, said that the MCO gave her time to finish her university research. “I also managed to write my final dissertation alongside the case studies!” she exclaimed.
“I also got back to my daily routine of yoga and I even started to learn basic coding in HTML and CSS. I even managed to compose songs.” Apart from that, the ambitious Aziza also ventured into social entrepreneurship to create job opportunities for local students.
With the time given, the visionary 23-year-old disclosed that she would have achieved something else if it was not for MCO. Being a travel addict on lockdown, the period gave her time to sit down and reflect on her life decisions. “If it was not for MCO, I would probably be busy expanding Paint the World (an organisation promoting voluntarism) and focusing on the community.”
Nonetheless, she felt refreshed. Through this MCO, she had learnt that everything is achievable through the internet. The abundance of free time also gave her ample time to spend with family.
However, Aziza does not want another MCO. She disclosed that she misses walking around the neighbourhood and enjoying the fresh air. “I miss stretching my legs, saying hello to my neighbours, hiking, and searching for the best beach spots in Damai.”
“I also miss simply hugging everybody and being able to meet children through Paint the World.” But the toughest part of going through a lockdown for Aziza was the halt of entrepreneurs’ dream globally, and the gloomy prospect about the downturn of the country’s economy in the future.
- Arzmy Hargreaves
MCO has put a halt to not only the economy but also to creative director and entrepreneur Arzmy. “But, sometimes I feel this is what we need to wake our inner spirit. We need to slow down, be cut out from the fast-paced world and just take time to reconnect with what matters.”
In general, Arzmy had not been living life as it is, but rather plan them accordingly.
“I was always busy making plans about what I was going to do. I was like a traveller whose eyes are fixed on the distant horizon ahead, and who is oblivious to his immediate surroundings. And in living this time that has yet to come, without knowing or
realising it, I was losing out on the present.”
To him, the virus brought him the gift of the present. “Whether it’s a welcome or unwelcome gift is up to us.” During this unprecedented time, Arzmy had reflected on many things and learned to prioritise what matters.
During the MCO, he said he had made up for the time he was not at home.
“I watched a lot of movies, took up some cooking, experimenting with recipes, self-exercising, singing, playing board games, gardening, polishing my car and conducting online work.”
He had also organised a few e-training grooming and branding sessions via video call. “I also get to video call my families from across the globe!”
From this lockdown, Arzmy said that he had started to save more. “This is something I can never achieve without MCO. Gas is so much cheaper yet you don’t have anywhere to go, you don’t shop, you don’t spend unnecessarily.”
