I would like to urge everyone to manage your time wisely in light of the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Most businesses have to comply with the new 8am to 8pm operation hours in a bid to bring down the high number of positive COVID-19 cases in the country.
Hence, my message is simple. We all need to manage our time properly. If possible, buy enough groceries to last a week in one visit to the hypermarket, for example. The goal here is to reduce the need to make multiple grocery runs. Keep yourself indoors more often, in line with the objectives of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
The same goes for takeaway food. Try to order your breakfast, lunch and dinner in one outing. Maximise your trip and by doing so you will minimise the need to go out so often. Of course, one would argue that some working individuals are bound by the demands of work and cannot meet the 8pm deadline.
I know it’s a tight schedule, but instead of complaining, let us work together to do what we can to help the authorities bring down the positive COVID-19 cases in the best interest of safety and health.
Also, stockpile some common medicine at home to prepare for any eventualities. The latest SOPs state that pharmacies are allowed to open from 8am to 10pm, but do not throw caution to the wind. It is always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.
The latest SOPs have garnered divided responses from Malaysians. Some are for it while others are against it and they each have their respective reasons and points. However, what is important is that we all do what is necessary to not only protect, but also save lives.
This duty does not solely belong to the frontliners and authorities. All of us have a shared responsibility to keep the nation safe. The health ministry has already issued a battle cry and asked everyone to help them fight the war against the pandemic. There can only be one winner. It better be us.
Yeap Ming Liong
