KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (NNN-BERNAMA) – The devastation brought on by a 0.12 micron bit of a coronavirus is yet to be fully comprehended with deaths having surpassed 10,000 globally and billions in economic worth wiped out since COVID-19 made its way into news late last year.
Worldwide, people have resorted to staying indoors either through a directive or voluntarily. In Malaysia, the government declared the Movement Control Order (MCO) from March 18-31 to curb the spread of the virus.
Understandably for the ordinary businessman, particularly those dependent on daily income from their services, the monetary effects of the closure of business premises arising from the MCO might just figure more significantly.
While a 20 billion ringgit stimulus package was announced in February to help industries most hit by COVID-19, the fact remains that whichever way it is seen, almost all businesses will be hit and the recovery may take a while.
However, amid this, could something good come from the home front which has become a focal point now with the closing of shopping centres, movie theatres, business premises and workers relegated to working from home and the public being advised to stay at home?
For certified public accountant, Ho Yuet Mee, who spent a large part of her career with a Big 4 international accounting firm, there is definitely something to gain from the two weeks of “home retreat”.
“It is inconvenient, of course it is frustrating. But perhaps it is timely that we reframe our perspective on this situation that we have very little control over,” she told Bernama in a phone inteview.
“Even during this period, we all still have many small moments to delight in. The smell of coffee, not having to be caught in traffic jams, and so on. When we stop to take in these moments, rather than let them rush by on automatic pilot, we are giving our brain a chance to process the positive.
These precious days unexpectedly afforded to us could be used to strengthen our connections: for those of us staying with family, now is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with our loved ones,” said Yuet Mee, who also sits on board of CIMB Islamic Bank as an independent non-executive director.
Together with her family and friends, Yuet Mee who also organises weekly sessions in Bangsar that introduces people to various subjects on self-improvement from organic gardening to health care, said there could be a silver lining to the COVID-19 event.
“These types of crises can bring out both the worst and the best in humanity. Yes, there are many sad stories circulating around. But there, too, are many wonderful ones. I like to think that the best in humanity is rising to this challenge. Doctors and medical staff are working overtime to help sick patients….Philanthropists are donating money to scientists to find a cure. When we tune into these positive aspects of the crisis, we are united in hope,” she says.
For KL-based corporate trainer, Renukka Kandiah, whose training sessions have been put on hold, it is time to reach out to people with messages of hope and positivity via the social media.
“It is not the time to panic or have anxiety but time for self-contemplation, improvement and enhancement of my training skills,” said Renukka who also conducts the Peace Education Programme (PEP) in the Klang Valley on a voluntary basis.
— BERNAMA Copy
