KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 – Today, Malaysian workers observe Labour Day while still in the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, with a new atmosphere brought about by challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are no gatherings planned by the federal or state governments to celebrate the day, and this is part of the new normal which Malaysians have to live with.
This year’s Labour Day is unique as it has boosted the spirit of employees to give their best to the country, directly or indirectly, especially the frontliners who have toiled tiredlessly to break the chain of infections.
A public holiday it is but many people are working, attending to COVID-19 patients, conducting tests on suspected cases, distributing food and other essentials to those in quarantine, and conducting checks on the movement of people in the cities, countryside and border areas.
Others, like those engaged in the e-hailing business, are rushing in cars and motorcycles to deliver food and other items to the people staying at home and working from home so that they can remain safe.
The Movement Control Order (MCO), which encourages people to stay at home as much as possible for their own safety, has been in force since March 18 and is into its fourth two-week phase from April 29 to May 12.
Those required to go to work – the healthcare workers, security personnel and food deliverymen – are playing an important role to ensure that life goes on unabated as the people painstakingly adjust to what has come to be called the new normal.
Not to be forgotten too are the workers who have lost their jobs during the pandemic, such as those in the tourism sector, while petty traders are still allowed to operate, but within the confines of the MCO.
Livelihood will change
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said that some 1.6 billion people around the world employed in the informal economy – the economic activities, enterprises, jobs and workers not regulated or protected by the state – could see their livelihoods destroyed due to the continued decline in working hours brought on by lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has opened the eyes of many to the rights and welfare of workers, particularly in terms of health, safety, aid and compensation.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor said ensuring the health and safety of workers can no longer be considered a waste of expenditure but employers’ responsibility in ensuring the welfare of workers.
“In the new normal, employers must consider that we are working as a family rather than employer and labourers because the context that should be accepted is that we are a team whereby the company profits are invested in human capital development,” he told Bernama.
Malaysian Academic Association Congress (MAAC) president Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Idrus Mohd Masirin said the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the expertise of manpower in various sectors such as health, economy, education and agriculture to assist the country.
“In addition to expertise, it has also challenged the mental and physical strength of the workforce, particularly the frontline workers who are patiently dealing with the pandemic.
“I wish to congratulate all the frontline staff who are working hard to overcome the challenge of this pandemic. Your service and sacrifice are highly appreciated,” he said.
As for educators, Mohd Idrus said, they should continue to give their commitment to ensure that the education system remains unaffected in this stressful and challenging times.
“Whatever the situation, we as academics have to be creative and innovative in keeping our education system running and delivering well. We are very fortunate to have good infrastructure and communication technology,” he said.
Flattening the curve
Now that the curve of infections has been flattened and the daily figure of positive COVID-19 cases has been consistent at double digits for 16 consecutive days, Malaysia is on the right track to lift the lockdown order which has been extended to May 12.
According to Dr Noor Hisham, as of yesterday, the COVID-19 outbreak in the country has infected 6002 people, with 102 deaths. The good news is that the number of recovered cases allowed to be discharged has increased to 4,171, or 69.5 per cent of the total number.
Today is the eighth day of fasting, and many Muslims surely miss performing the Friday congregational prayers at the mosque, as this is the seventh Friday when such prayers have not been performed due to the MCO.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said in a talk last night that the ministry was looking at drawing up guidelines to enable religious activities including congregational prayers to be resumed, subject to permission from the Health Ministry.
– BERNAMA
More Stories
PMX Discusses Tourism Promotion With Marriott International
Bank Negara Hopes Islamic Finance Becomes The Driver For Greener Economy
Budget 2025 To Focus On Inflation Control, Cost Of Living Solutions