Malaysia has entered into the transition into an endemic stage with regards to Covid-19. However, we must not throw caution to the wind. The wearing of face masks outdoors, as we all know, is no longer mandatory. However, it is still worthwhile to keep it on especially if you are around children and the elderly.
Most Malaysians have received their respective vaccines and booster jabs. This is good news and the effects are showing high efficacy with the lowered ICU bed usage in hospitals and the lower death rates. These are all indicators of a winning battle against the virus.
Just like you, I yearn for life to return to pre-pandemic days. However, the war against Covid-19 is still on. Just the other day, I was in a lift to get to my floor and in came a family who did not even bother to apologise for not masking up in a confined space, but pretending as if everything was fine and dandy.
We need to stop the lackadaisical attitude. Please do not be careless. I do not hope for the worst, but the high number of positive cases and the hundreds of deaths logged daily just several months ago serve as a grim reminder of the ultimate price paid for carelessness.
Malaysia has suffered a huge blow due to the Covid-19 pandemic and livelihoods were impacted. We are heading towards victory. We are recovering from the economic wounds left behind by the pandemic. There is no doubting the fact.
The reopening of economic sectors and the doing away with social distancing rules in economic and social activities are positive signs to get the economy back on track. However, while economic progress and viability are important, we need to remember that there is no currency in the world to revive a lost life.
I humbly urge all Malaysians to practice the right actions and value lives. This includes yours and mine. We have lost enough. Our frontliners have battled hard. The least we could do is do our part.
by Yeap Ming Liong
