COVID 19 SHORT STORY

2020 is a year with expectations. We had the ‘Wawasan 2020’ introduced by the fourth and seventh Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad. Though according to him, not all the 9 challenges were achieved, we had improvements compared to back then in 1991. One thing for sure is that flying cars are not one of them. Other than that, something unexpected happened which involved the exchange of government resulting with our new Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Let’s hope for the peace and tranquillity in Malaysia to be preserved as always.

These came to my mind while watching the daily news on COVID-19. Little did we expect a such an issue would arise. It started as an epidemic disease then, spreading globally becoming pandemic. It swept worldwide while affecting every layers of the community. Thus, here we are in the living our new norm in the Restricted Movement Order (RMO). Interestingly, it begins with just 2 weeks then fortnight after fortnight are added.

I believe that the government really wants to keep our calm faces, so everything was done step by step beautifully. We should be impressed by how our country handle this outbreak.

Appearing on the TV screen is one of the most important contributors, our Health Director General, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. He is recognized as one of the best doctors in handling this outbreak. With all of that said, I begin to ponder on my own ‘Contributions’. Being a first-year medical student, this outbreak really hit me hard. Though five years seems too far away but I believe that I must think things seriously. Not that I have second thoughts but, the fact that doctors are one of the frontlines in this kind of situations needs to be internalized.

While the mind travels far to the future, my eyes are on those near to me, my family. Staying in the hostel since Form 1 until now, really make me realise that not much time had been spent with them. Rather then those far thoughts, I realise I should contribute more for my family, especially as a daughter. RMO, looking on the good side, really gives us the quality time to catch up on what was left behind. Thus, there goes the first lesson that I learn which is to make contributions according to our own capacity.

Getting bored in front of the TV, I thought about things to do to fill the free time. This is really a rare chance that came by. Hence, the second lesson that I want to share is to find good things in everything that happen. Maybe life has been too fast or too hectic for us before. So, this RMO can be considered as an ‘Opportunity’ to slow down and ponder upon our doings for the past of our life. Treat it as a pause button in your life and use it wisely. Take this chance to do things that you cannot do before. Indulge in beneficial hobbies, which I believe everyone has one.

For instance, reading, sewing, baking or whatever that makes you happy. As a student, past lessons can also be reviewed. Anything can be done as long as it is done at home. Besides, the efforts done by our front liners should be kept in close thought. This outbreak may serve as a fast-forward button for them as their life became more hectic than usual. My prayers and good wishes for all of you, our front liners. Not to forget, take this opportunity to conduct Jemaah prayer at home with our family especially now, during Ramadhan. It helps strengthen the bond between family members. Hence, I look up my phone to revise on terawih prayers and also about the holy month.

Another thing that interests me is how most of the things become ‘Virtual’. Due to the lockdown, many things must be done from home. Students and teachers experiencing online classes, workers working and having meetings through online platforms and shoppers familiarizing with online shopping. My siblings and father are one of them. Even contacting friends and close families must be done virtually. The usage of online platforms is really at its peak currently. We use it more frequently then before. Despite all the good sides of this platform, the bad sides of it should not be ignored and taken for granted. Earlier during the lockdown, news on consumers being tricked on masks by scammers were everywhere. Some people tend to take advantage on other people’s hardship which should not be practiced especially as muslims. Furthermore, addiction to games or indecent videos can always happen if one is not careful enough. Often involved are teenagers like us so, self-control is a must. Thus, the third message that I want to convey is the vast virtual world, is like a double-edged sword. Once used improperly, it is hard to revert.

I put down my phone as the faint sound of azan indicating it was Asar came to my ears. While indulging in the virtual world, ‘Individuality’ should be preserved. Despite all our efforts while cultivating the new norm. Though being drowned in the sea of time, we should not be easily tricked into following trends with unclear backgrounds. The Islamic culture nurtured especially at IIUM ought to be practiced. No matter whatever changes surrounding us, Islam should always be placed first in our heart and our doings. Daily tazkirahs from societies and loving friends really helped me a lot. It is no doubt that the human nature is to socialize with others. Sometimes even a simple gesture of ‘how are you’ can make one’s day better. Remember, we are just physically distancing. Nowadays, there are many other means to connect with others. We have WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and many others that most of never fail to check on daily. Well, at least for me.

Finally, my story is about to end. It is already late and I have yet done my Asar prayers. Truthfully, this RMO makes me ponder on those little things that we take for granted before. To be able to think wisely is one thing but, to be able to act is another. Interestingly, one might have all these ideas or dreams in their mind but ends up doing nothing. So, I guess what we need is the ‘Determination’. A firm purpose to act on something.

There is a verse from the Qur’an from surah Ar-Ra’ad verse 11, ‘…Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls) …’. Let us take this chance to make a change and find the inner strength within us. To start doing something is usually considered as the most difficult part but, little did we know to remain steadfast is even harder. Thus, finding support from our surroundings may help us. So, there goes my C.O.V.I.D.-19 not-so-story.