Category : Articles

Sub Category : Miscellaneous

Are we ready? 
What is going to happen once the Movement Control Order (MCO) is lifted? 

Many would think that after the MCO is over, we would all be able to live our lives like how we used to before this pandemonium started. Truth is, the Covid network can be stopped, but to kill the virus completely is still unknown because there is no cure for it. So, we are not completely safe yet. What is predicted is that after this MCO, we will all live a life of the new norm. 

The new norm is a situation where we would be somewhat free in a "controlled condition" whereby each of us will move about at our own risk. Although the Covid case in Malaysia has gone down, the possibility of a plague infection is highly possible to cause sporadic new infection. So even though we will be free to go out again, there are still some conditions and guidelines that need to be followed. 

We would still need to practice social distancing of 1 meter distance from another human being. Outings will be limited to only when it's necessary, and no such thing as galivanting with friends after work is over. We are still not allowed to hold or attend ceremonies that would involve a large crowd so weddings, conventions, seminars, etc are out of the question. Overseas travels are not allowed for Malaysians for the moment, at least until one country in this world is free from Covid. Question is, when would this happen.... another year or two perhaps? We are also not encouraged to go on holidays domestically, or go shopping at shopping malls or wholesale markets, or even go watch movies at cinemas. The typical Malaysian pastime of hanging out with friends at 24 hours food stalls and eateries are also not encouraged. Practicing personal hygiene, hand sanitization, wearing a mask while in public are about the only thing that is encouraged in regards to this new norm. 

What will happen next? 

Owners of micro businesses will be affected by losses because customers will only go out to buy food and only when it's necessary for them to do so. Manufacturer's factories will be affected and there will be a big possibility where they would have to lay off workers just to reduce their burden. Hotel and Resort industries, golf clubs, shopping malls, theme parks, entertainment outlets will feel the pinch because they will not be receiving throngs of people in their establishment like they used to. Airlines industry will also be hit hard when they are only allowed to fly domestically. Automotive companies will also suffer due to the economic  factor of the affected buyers because let's face it, who in their right frame of mind is going to buy a brand new car in an unstable economic state? Furthermore, is there any bank out there that's willing to give out loans in this uncertain condition? Clothing industry and beauty service industry will also be affected because people will priotize their spending on essential things rather than splurge on clothes or beauty products. Oh, and who would buy property in a degenerate economic situation? So that's another industry that will suffer the brunt of this pandemic. And what about schools, colleges and universities? This is going to be a rather complicated issue because it affects various aspects that would violate the social conditions of distancing. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what solution the government will come up with in regards to education. On the flip side, medical supplier companies will continue to flourish due to high demand. 

The conclusion here after the MCO is lifted, it is not a period where we will be completely 'free' simply because the main treatment for Covid is still not yet found. Therefore, the risk of infection and death is still high. The next 6 months to come would be a critical period which is more challenging whereby people need to be prepared mentally, physically and emotionally to go through the economic recovery phase. It may seem like a tall order but I believe we can survive this if we are well prepared. 

The best way to prepare ourselves moving forward into uncertainty is to save as much money as possible. No matter how little the amount may be, save. Because every cent counts. Go through your closet and dig up old clothes that has not seen the light for so long. Give them a good wash and use them again. No point wasting money buying new clothes when that money could be used for more important things. Live a simple life. Save electricity and water. Postpone travel plans. Reduce the cost of food spending by just buying the necessary. These are just a few basic recommendations to ensure basic survival in the next 6 to 12 months to come because for this period, Cash is King. So, do save your money as much as you possibly can. 

New Norm is the new life we will have to go through whether we like it or not. It is not going to be easy, but it is necessary to ensure we come out of this well and alive. 

What is going to happen next? No one knows. Let us pray that the antidote for this virus can be found soon so that we can generate our economy like before.