Who knows that life could change in a blink of an eye. Starting at the beginning of January 2020, we were tested with a virus that spread widely, Coronavirus or infamously known as COVID-19. We are currently highly dependent on our health sector which has become the main fortress of the country which is supported by safety personnel to prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to providing us with everyday amusement, mass media also helps us stay informed of recent issues and adapt to changes in society.
A few efforts have been made to fight off the COVID-19 such as social-distancing, implementation of facemask and ‘MySejahtera’ scanner. Senior artist, Choong Kam Kow create his artwork titled ‘Co-exit 12: Social Distancing’ by expressing the importance of every individual to be responsible for taking care of themselves and the people around them through complying with all the implemented procedure especially social distancing and and compliance in the use of MySejahtera.
Co-exit 12 : Social Distancing
Choong Kam Kow
2020, Mixed media on canvas, 122 x122 cm
Bayu Utomo Radjikin, through ‘Wild Scent - Akrab’ portrayed the virus as a wild red flower that went straight into our body when inhaled. Meanwhile, Ahmad Shukri Elias sketched L.S 8.7.21 (1), short for ‘Lockdown Series, 8 Julai 2021’, describing the symptoms of those who are infected by COVID-19.
Wild Scent – Akrab
Bayu Utomo Radjikin
2020, Acrylic on canvas, 115 x 81 cm
L.S 8.7.21(1)
Ahmad Shukri Elias
2021, Mixed media on paper, 28 x 37cm
The frontliner, especially those from medical teams such as doctors and nurses are the main stronghold of the country who held their ground high to serve the country to fight off the virus, COVID-19. Treatment and medical screening are done regardless of the distance and the condition of the location. Image by Afif Abd Halim, depicts the country’s frontliner suited up with the Personal Protective Equipment located in location with restriction, Pudu Plaza, Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile in Labuan, Muqtadir Halim have tracked COVID-19 mortuary team that was in charge in managing the funeral matter in cemetary area special for those who lost their life due to COVID-19.
New Normal
Afif Abd Halim
2020, Photography, Courtesy: The Malaysian Insight
COVID-19 Labuan
Muqtadir Halim
2020, Photography, Courtesy: Bernama
Aside from that, postal services are also becoming one of the main major contributions to the economy sector through e-dagang (e-shopping) which help shop owners related to non-necessity items to manage their life. Despite the quiet atmosphere when the Movement Control Order (MCO ) began to be implemented, the postal services still managed to ensure the goods reached their destination. Safwan Mansor followed up to this development and recorded the hectic surrounding of the postal service on the break of dawn.
Courier Service, May 16
Safwan Mansor
2020, Photography, Courtesy: Bernama
On 21st February 2021, the first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived in Malaysia with hope for the never ending fight of COVID-19. With the presence of the vaccines, Malaysia had started the National COVID-19 Immunisation Program and targeted 80% of immunity among the adults in Malaysia. The moment of this program has been recorded by Azneal Ishak.
People receiving AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur on May 05, 2021
Azneal Ishak
2021, Photography, Courtesy: Malaysiakini
Living during the pandemic is one of the hardest moments in history as it’s set as a reminder that everything can change in the blink of an eye. However, it did teach us on how we need to prioritise our health and start living a healthy lifestyle. With a good development of lifestyle and good risk assessing skill, each and everyone’s efforts are important for us to stay healthy and safe.
