NEVER FORGET: 2020-2022

Malaysia journey through the pandemic has been a difficult one. When COVID-19 first hit the country, we were unprepared. Many people thought it would just be another cough and flu season that would pass quickly. However, on March 18, 2020, the nationwide lockdown known as the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed by then Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and we were all locked in our homes for months. Only essential services and sectors were allowed to operate, and many small businesses forced to shut down. Employees laid off, and some people lost their homes or unable to put food on the table. They had to beg for assistance from the public. In addition, many people also struggled with underlying health issues and the negatives effects of the endless lockdown on their mental health.

Over the past three years, Malaysia has faced several other challenges, including an ongoing political crisis, the 1MDB scandal, rising COVID-19 cases and deaths, vaccine rollout, and the worst flood disaster in decades that affected five states at once. It has been a tough time for everyone, but there is hope on the horizon. The world is healing, and Malaysia has transitioned from the pandemic to the endemic phase.

Fast forward to the end of 2022, the recent 15th General Election has seen Malaysia first ever-hung parliament due to no simple majority from the existing coalition. However, the long-time opposition leader, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH), won the most seats and received support from the other coalition to form a unity government. Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah has consented to appoint Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister.

As a photographer, being a witness to all of the historical events in Malaysia has been a humbling experience for me. It is a privilege to be able to capture those moments and preserve them for the future generations. For all of us to remember about today, and make the best decisions for tomorrow. Never forget!

THE PANDEMIC BROKE ME

19th June 2020 

During the first Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020, I struggled with feelings of depression and anxiety as I grappled with the challenges of being out of work and caring for my newborn child. Despite having savings to fall back on, the uncertainty of the pandemic weighed heavily on me and I found myself crying in the shower at night, worried about how I would provide for my family. This self-portrait serves as a reminder of the difficulties we faced during the MCO and the resilience we showed in overcoming them.

Shot on Leica M9 Monochrom + Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4

STRANDED IN A HOSTEL

15th May 2020

An immigrant man seen standing inside his hostel as the Malaysia government imposed conditional Movement Control Order (MCO) to conduct COVID-19 screenings at Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, May. 15, 2020.

The Movement Control Order (MCO) was a set of measures implemented by the Malaysian government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures included restrictions on movement, gatherings, and travel, as well as the closure of various businesses, industries, and educational institutions. The MCO was implemented in an effort to slow the spread of the virus and protect public health.

In October 2021, the government lifted movement control restrictions for vaccinated individuals and announced its intention to treat COVID-19 as an endemic disease.

Shot on Leica M240 + Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm F/3.4

BEHIND THE BARS

28th July 2020

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak greeted his supporters outside the Malaysia High Court compound after he had been sentenced to 12 years in prison on all seven charges of money laundering, abuse of power and criminal breach of trust in the first case in a series of sovereign fund linked corruption trials against him, July. 28, 2020.

Despite the convictions, he is still out on bail pending his Federal Court hearing. Ever since he lost in the 14th General Election, he has rehabilitated his image through social media, gaining traction among followers with his incitement against the two governments that succeeded him. Najib also has helped his party win big in two state elections in Melaka (Nov 2021) and Johor (March 2022) and have had galvanize him politically.

Fast forward on Aug.23, 2022, Najib Razak was sent to jail to begin serving a 12-year sentence, after the top court rejected his appeal. The 15th General Election in November 2022, saw the declination popularity of Barisan Nasional where they only won 30 out of 222 seats contested.

Shot on Leica M240 + Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm F/3.4

VACCINE FOR ALL

5th July 2021

On July 5, 2021, an elderly man with disabilities received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at home as part of the Sabak Bernam Mobile Outreach Program. This initiative, which was a collaboration between the Land and Health offices in the district, were providing door-to-door inoculations since July 1, 2021. Among the targeted group for this programme were senior citizens, people with disabilities, and bed-ridden patient at home, in order to ensure that these vulnerable groups would also be protected from the spread of the virus.

Malaysia government implemented the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) as a way to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. As of January 4, 2023, there were 84.3% of total population that has completed two doses of vaccine. The government has also encouraged the public to take up the booster shot as a protection against the new variant. Almost 49.9% turn up rate for the first booster shot, but only 2% from the total population took the second booster shot due to a lack of awareness.

Shot on Leica Q

THE DEATH TOLL RISES

23rd July 2021

A team of undertakers, fully equipped with personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and gowns, work to bury the body of a COVID-19 victim on July 23, 2021, in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

In 2021, Malaysia saw a surge in COVID-19 fatalities, with nearly 300 deaths per day. This led to a high demand for the proper handling of the deceased, which was especially complicated in the case of COVID-19 victims due to the strict protocols in place to prevent the spread of the virus. The process of managing a single body requires careful adherence to these guidelines.

Shot on Leica Q

FOR THE UNFORTUNATE SOULS

31st July 2021

About 1000 protesters joined #LAWAN, an anti-government rally organized by Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR) in Kuala Lumpur. The rally urges the resignation of the then Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin due to the worsening COVID-19 outbreak under his care, on July 31, 2021. By the time of the rally, the total number of COVID-19 in Malaysia has reached a total of 1,113,272 with death exceeding 8,000 people since the outbreak hit the country in 2020.

Those who took part in the #LAWAN rally mostly carried placards with the words #LAWAN, #KerajaanGagal, #KerajaanPembunuh together with chanting “Tolak Muhyiddin” echoed as protesters began to make their way to Dataran Merdeka.

Shot on Leica Q

DEMOCRACY IS DEAD?

2nd August 2021

On August 2, 2021, a group of 107 opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) marched to Parliament with a banner demanding the resignation of “Mahiaddin (Muhyiddin) and the Cabinet”, as they protested his government's decision to postpone the final day of a Parliamentary special sitting. Leader of the Opposition, Anwar Ibrahim claimed that the Muhyiddin-led government had lost majority support from the lawmakers. However, their demonstration was halted by the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU). 

Two weeks after the rally, Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as Prime Minister after just 17 months in power, as he had lost his majority in parliament, amid infighting within his coalition and a resurgent wave of COVID-19.

Despite the resignation of Muhyiddin, the opposition was unable to regain power at the federal level and lost in all state elections held during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shot on Leica Q

DAYS OF HORROR

20th December 2021

The Malaysian Armed Forces used boats to evacuate residents from flood-ridden areas of Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam on December 20, 2021. Emergency responders and the army worked quickly to assist those affected by the rising floodwaters.

Taman Sri Muda was one of the worst-hit neighbourhoods following massive flooding in the Klang Valley in December 2021. The floods were due to an unusual amount of rainfall and the high tide phenomenon. The situation was made worse by the fact that many residents were trapped on the upper floor of their homes for several days, leading to feelings of desperation and hunger. The rescue efforts were hindered by the unpredictable weather and extremely high water levels. The resident only managed to get out of the area when floodwater began to recede.

Shot on Leica Q

NIGHTMARE FOR THE BOOK LOVERS

27th December 2021

Approximately 2 million books at the BookXcess warehouse in Shah Alam were destroyed due to the severe flooding on December 27, 2021. Workers were seen sorting through the damaged books and cleaning up the affected area, which is expected to take up to four weeks to complete.

In addition to the lost books, the flooding also caused damage to the machines used for preparing and packaging the books for distribution, as well as the cancellation of events and the delay of the opening of a new outlet. According to co-founder Andrew Yap, the total cost of the damage is estimated to be between RM30-40 million.

The economic losses from the December flood events in 2021 were estimated at about $1.5 billion, according to data from the Bank Negara Malaysia. These losses included damage to public assets and infrastructure (33%), homes (26%), the commercial sector (25%), and vehicles (16%).

Shot on Leica Q

HOPE

17th November 2022

Anwar Ibrahim speaks in front of thousands of Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters at Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, on November 17, 2022, during Malaysia's 15th General Election campaign season. Despite raining, attendees remained in high spirits and stayed until the end of the rally.

The 15th General Election (GE15) saw a record 21.17 million eligible voters. This included1.4 million Malaysians aged between 18 and 20 took part in their first general election after the voting age was lowered from 21. A total of 39 parties, with the biggest six coalitions was competing for voters’ support, including Pakatan Harapan(PH), Barisan Nasional(BN), Perikatan Nasional(PN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak(GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sarawak(GRS), and Gerakan Tanah Air(GTA).

Shot on Leica SL2-S Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90 f/2.8-4

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

24th November 2022

Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, ending a five-day political impasse following inconclusive polls. He made his first public appearance as the Prime Minister in Sungai Long, Selangor, where a massive crowd of supporters greeted him.

After 24 years of struggle with his reform agenda, Anwar Ibrahim now leads the most unique and unexpected coalition pact which consist of; Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and Parti Warisan under the “Malaysian Unity Government”. On December 19, 2022, the motion of confidence on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim passed via a voice vote at the Dewan Rakyat.

Shot on Leica Q

RESTRICTION AFTER RESTRICTION

15th May 2020

As COVID-19 cases rise, hotspot area around Kuala Lumpur has been put under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO), where barbed wire has been installed to curb residents' movement from the area.

Under the EMCO, all routes at affected areas will be closed and guarded by the police, and residents will not be allowed to leave their homes except for one representative to buy essential items within a 10km radius. Travel restrictions and limited operation times for economic activities will also be implemented. Religious-related activities may also be restricted. These measures were being put in place in order to control the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of the community.

Shot on Leica M240 + Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm F/3.4

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

11th September 2021

Families and children enjoy a day at the park in Putrajaya on September 11, 2021, following the transition to Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

The quarantine experience has been particularly challenging for parents trying to juggle work, personal life, and child-rearing. The lack of support for children during this time may contribute to increased psychological symptoms and negative impacts on their growth and development.

Shot on Leica Q

THE WORLD IS HEALING

2020, 2021, 2022

This sequenced photographs, printed on lenticular film, displays the changes in the ability to perform prayers at mosques in Malaysia due to COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, mass gatherings, including at mosques were restricted by the government. JAKIM (Islamic Authorities) organized live streams of prayers at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur only allowed five mosque committees to participate while practicing social distancing.

In 2021, Muslims observing Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur took precaution such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing while performing Tarawih prayers at National Mosque.

In 2022, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) has announced that congregational and Tarawih prayers can be held without physical distancing at mosques and surau in the Federal Territories, as the area transitions to the endemic phase of COVID-19.

Shot on Leica Q

PANDEMIC TO ENDEMIC

2021, 2022

This sequenced photographs, printed on lenticular films, shows the general view at Dataran Merdeka during the Pandemic phase in 2021 and the transition phase to Endemic in 2022 in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia are transitioning into the endemic phase starting April 1, 2022. Wearing of face mask outdoors and physical distancing has no longer been mandatory since May 1, 2022, in line with the relaxation of COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Shot on Leica Q