“Since the implementation of MCO a year ago, times were somewhat hard. The most crucial thing now is being able to earn a living, and stay healthy.”
One year ago, the government declared a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, it aroused anxiety among common folks, as their daily toil either face strict restraints or temporary closure. Over the past year, the government tighten or loosen restrictions according to the rising or flattening of the infection curve. As the epidemic situations vary across all states, some people headed back to work under the new normal, while others are yet to resume their work.
10 interviewees, hailing from northern, central, and southern regions, each facing different challenges which we compiled into three short films. They work in different sectors, namely services, light manufacturing, and eateries, all being traditional trades severely affected by the pandemic. For instance, the ferry service between Negeri Sembilan and Selangor was suspended due to interstate travel ban, the ferryman felt helpless; others such as moisturising powder manufacturing, wooden clogs making, shoes repairing service, and eateries have a choice whether to operate or not, depending on the current regulations; whereas pineapple plantation, considered as basic needs, was least affected and operations were as usual.
This time around, even though lacking the warmth of face-to-face communication, they are still keen on sharing. We reunite with dear uncles and aunties via video chat, and listen to their past year’s journey, of which they had a lot on their minds. Their routine of life being disrupted, boredom at home proved to be tough. Even after resuming business in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP), the reduced crowd caused a drastic drop in business volume.
The Covid-19 virus poses an invisible threat to public health, especially the elderly and people with weak immune system are at higher risk. Our dear uncles and aunties are aware that good personal hygiene habit is innegligible, hence taking actions to prevent the spread of the virus: wear face masks, wash hands regularly, practice social distancing. It is important to fulfill civic responsibility, for the sakes of families and neighbourhoods, although adapting to the new normal SOP is troublesome, they try to minimise outings and gatherings.
Social distancing may limit human interactions, however solicitude is always present. The transition from face-to-face communication to video chat may sometimes be interrupted by technical problems such as network connection error, lagging image, phone battery low etc., adding a fun touch to their adjustment to a different communication style. Getting in touch with them again after a long period of separation, enquiring about each other’s well-being, reminiscing fond memories, and enjoying tender affections.
Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen
有你 UNI Production
Producer : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang / Michael Lerk
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Copywriter : Pua Hui Wen
Music : 《Sentimental》 / 《Romantic Wedding》 / 《Emotional Cinematic Trailer》
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