UNINESS

More than a year passed since the outbreak of Covid-19 and implementation of Movement Control Order (MCO), a life-changing roller coaster ride for everyone. From worrying about getting infected, lack of income, to gradually returning to work, and getting used to the new normal standard operating procedures (SOP), our dear 10 uncles and aunties remain optimistic. Regardless of the situation, life goes on, they put on a brave face and take strong strides forward.

During the first phase of MCO, most economic sectors ceased operations temporarily. Uncles and aunties took this opportunity to have a good rest, bonding with family members while staying at home. Leisure time can also be spent in a productive way, such as trying out new things and learning new skills. They work on keeping the mind active in order to avoid laziness and procrastination.

As the numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases are reined in, and MCO rules eased, certain economic sectors are allowed to reopen with SOP compliance. Despite footfall decline due to various travel restrictions, as well as difficulty in forecasting consumer spending habits, this decision sparked hopes as they could escape from boredom and income dilemma. Even as uncles and aunties return to work with anticipation and anxiety, suffering from revenue losses, they intend to work as long as they could, and to improve gradually.

The spike in cases nearing Chinese New Year resulted in tightened MCO restrictions, wanderers were unable to return home for family reunion. Fighting the Covid-19 pandemic remains the top priority, therefore uncles and aunties had to suppress their familial longings. Each celebrate Chinese New Year at their current place of residence, gathering via videocalls. Even though they were unable to visit each other, social distancing does not cut off family relationships. An occasional phone call, a greeting, brings along warm wishes.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought upon changes in our daily lives, a constant battle is still being waged. Our ten dear uncles and aunties shift their life perspectives, accept responsibility in preventing the spread of Covid-19, and carry on with their various labours. Their perseverance in uncertain times is much admirable, patiently march towards the future with unwavering steps.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang / Michael Lerk
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Copywriter : Pua Hui Wen
Music : 《Romantic Piano》 / 《Beautiful Inspiring Piano With Strings》

COPYRIGHTS 2021 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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“I’m grateful for the continual support, otherwise my 40-year family legacy will end.”

Before successfully halting the spread of Covid-19 infections, Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) is continually being extended, albeit at different levels. It is unlikely the MCO will be fully lifted anytime soon, having a negative socioeconomic impact on the population. Over the past year, people struggled to make a living. Being involved in traditional trades, our 10 interviewees are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Be it decades-old family trades or entrepreneurship, our dear uncles and aunties formed strong social connections within their community. Some of them set up shop on the main street of their respective towns, their regular customers being familiar faces; some of them became time-honoured shops, attracting both local and foreign tourists. During MCO, formerly bustling streets emptied, footfall and traffic decreased. As restrictions eased, reopened businesses suffered huge decline in revenue; those still under extended temporary closure had no income at all.

The previously implemented vehicle passenger limit and interdistrict travel ban, alongside with roadblocks on major roads and highways, causing local residents to spend extra resources and time in commuting to work. Though effective in containing virus transmission across regions, the current interstate travel ban exerts substantial harm to various livelihoods of the populace. The lack of outstation tourists weakened economic activities of attraction towns, particularly local specialty foods and traditional handcrafts. In conjunction with festivals, those who work or study in other regions could not return to their hometown for family gatherings. Senior citizens who still dwell in rural places could only express their longing for family through phone calls.

The prevalence of smartphone use, as well as social media networks, has changed the way of human interaction and businesses. Products could be sold online without the necessity of a physical store. However, technological advancement has its shortcomings. There are a number of people who are technologically illiterate, online commerce is beyond their capabilities. Struggling to meet the dispatch time set by online selling platforms, and worrying about potential customers making enquiries in foreign languages, are challenges faced by one-person businesses. Moreover, most of the elderly are in semi-retirement, only working to pass time. They intend to work as long as they could, without expecting to make great profit.

Each community has a shared future, only by mutual help and care can we get rid of the dilemma caused by the pandemic. Dear uncles and aunties face setbacks with optimism, steadily march ahead while keeping hopes alive for a better tomorrow.

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 : Amelia Lim
Copywriter : Pua Hui Wen
Music : 《Emotional Epic Movie 2》 / 《Simple Inspiring Piano》 / 《Piano》

COPYRIGHTS 2021 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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“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》

COPYRIGHTS 2021 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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