COMMENT | When putting food on the table trumps getting the virus

COMMENT | I used to be funny in my writings. Well, I think I used to be funny in my writings. But in recent times, I haven’t been able to find the motivation to do so. The country is in such a dire situation that, as much as I want to be amusing and bring some lightheartedness, it just isn’t coming.

The daily number of infections is not showing any indication of reducing despite tighter lockdowns being announced. And now, an enhanced MCO has been declared in almost all districts and sub-districts in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Is it really going to work?

Malaysia has had three full lockdowns and now, an enhanced lockdown right in the country’s economic heart. If the main concern was the virus before, it is fast approaching a situation where fear of contracting the virus is secondary to paying bills and putting food on the table.

Malaysians have already been complaining about the loss of income, loss of jobs, increase of debt, shutting of businesses, and so much more which are all related to economic survival. The government has been dishing out the aid, but is it enough and how long can this go on?

We have the popular, and very well-intentioned, #BenderaPutih initiative. As we can see in the media, many deserving families have been receiving aid already from the community after putting up white flags. But again, is this enough and how long can this go on...