The number of infections in Malaysia at the time of writing this article is 4140 cases and a total number of 44 deaths. This had been a sharp spike of numbers when compared to the early days of breakout of the Covid-19 virus where Malaysia was only looking at double digits infections and we could go without a single fatality for some days. However, those were the long-gone happy days, and it seems that Malaysia may be losing the fight against Covid.

                                                                     

Many Malaysians, as expected of us, placed the blame on the government and that, is a fact. This Covid situation could have been avoided if only the government were to exert the level of energy and enthusiasm they have for their political conflicts, into battling covid-19.

However, the question I would like to pose to fellow Malaysians is: “Do you think Malaysians themselves are entirely innocent in this matter?”

I remembered having a conversation with a friend over the phone back in November. Back then, the numbers of Covid infection were reasonably quite concerning and were showing signs of a major outbreak; despite being below 1000 infections, Malaysia was constantly breaking new daily records in their Covid numbers. We end up discussing about our views on the pandemic and much to my alarm, there was a lack of regard for the severity of pandemic situation. Despite the surging Covid cases, she was still able to summon up some positivity in the situation and was even in denial that the actual infections had reached such dizzying heights. I felt her subtle opposition on the government imposing a stricter lockdown in the country, citing economic repercussions. She was still entirely confident that the pandemic was still under control and that same friend of mine went for an interstate travel when numbers are already reaching 4 digits.

It left me appalled. Do some Malaysians just expect the virus to vanish out of thin air just because Malaysia had been extremely successful in their first attempt to curb the virus back in March 2020? Do they secretly foster a belief that Malaysia is a country blessed with celestial affinity and protection against the virus despite other countries, even the successful ones such as China and Korea are constantly seeing a resurgence in Covid numbers?

When there had been a slight reduce in numbers and the arrival of vaccines to Malaysia in February 2021, many started to let down our guards and decided to fully trust that the vaccine will be a solution to all our Covid problems. Many people were deciding to continue with their social events. Birthday parties and celebrations were being held and social gatherings were done in full scale. My Instagram stories and Instagram feeds started filing up with posts of friends heading for night outs.

However, nobody can be as irresponsible as those who take lightly the severity of their status as a potential close contact. These ladies and gentlemen thought that it will be perfectly fine to ignore common logical sense and to carry on with appointments and meetings, potentially bringing along the virus for a tour throughout the whole community. Until now, some people still fail to differentiate the severity of the Covid virus from your usual flu. In scenarios like this, we can perfectly conclude that, ignorance kills.

The introduction of vaccines had been a beacon of hope however its light is slowly waning. Promises of an end of the tunnel had been made too fast, too early, without a realistic plan. Only a tiny percentage of the population has been inoculated, yet people are getting back on with their lives as if vaccines are ready at our doorsteps.

The pandemic has understandably affected us in many ways and had greatly impact our lives in all the terrible ways. Families and friends were being kept apart for months, couples were being separated and for some people, the pandemic had taken a toll on their livelihood. Many people are still silently enduring the hardships brought on by this pandemic.

This should not be a time where we put our selfish wants and needs for leisure above the dire situation which calls for a more responsible attitude and some sense of maturity. Our need for fun have to be balanced against the woes suffered by front-liners working tirelessly to ensure that people can still enjoy basic services such as healthcare and food supplies.

With the importation of many new variants of the virus, the need for us to stay vigilant had just reached an entirely new level of urgency. It is important to not undermine our new bio enemy for the risks and consequences of doing so is very real and merciless.

WHO had officially confirmed the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Evidently, the transmission and fatality rate of the Covid-19 virus had greatly increased. Every day, Malaysians are bombarded by another new record of daily number of deaths. These numbers are not just statistical numbers-these are flesh and blood individuals with their dreams and aspirations eradicated by the virus, people who had loved ones to care for and people who had loved ones waiting for their return home. Many families were being robbed off a future with their loved ones to enjoy a future in a pandemic-free world. For some families, the next family portrait can never be complete.

My hope to all fellow Malaysians, do not take this pandemic lightly. Your birthday celebrations can wait, your annual class gatherings can be postponed, our main priority now is to stay alive until we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the pandemic age, everyone can be a hero just by staying at home and continue to cheer and show support for our superheroes, our front-liners, from the comforts of our homes.