WITH the ongoing total lockdown extended to June 28, many Penangites, who are working and studying outstation, are unable to return home due to travel restrictions.
They have to struggle with the pain of missing their dear ones yet again because of the inter-state travel ban.
The series of lockdowns since March last year have understandably taken a toll on many of them, mentally and socially, as they could only rely on phones or online platforms to communicate with their family and friends.
Most of them spend their time at their rented place, sometimes alone, to heed the authorities’ call to stay home and to stay safe.
Buletin Mutiara managed to contact a few of the Penangites, who have been being away for quite sometime, and also a Johorean working in Penang to learn of their experiences.
Previna Nair (28, conference producer)
“I’ve been in Kuala Lumpur for about one-and-a-half years and it has been six months ever since I went back to Penang.
“To be frank, everyone will be missing their hometown and the same goes to me as well. Penang is famous as a food haven and I definitely miss the home-cooked food.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen my family members and most of my friends for a really long time.
“However, I still manage to keep in touch with them through phone calls or communicate via other social media platforms.
“I am hoping that the number of Covid-19 cases will drop soon and fast so that everyone can return to their respective hometowns under strict SOPs.
“Let us abide by the government’s call for us to stay safe and stay home now.”
Law Huat Chon (33, site coordinator)
“In my case, I have been going around Peninsular Malaysia to do my job although I’m based in Shah Alam, Selangor, as of now.
“My job requires me to go to different places where there are projects involving my company. But due to travel restrictions, I have yet to return to Penang since last year.
“My mum is selling drinks at a food court in town and I’m worried for her as her age is catching up. At first, I thought of going back for the Chinese New Year celebration in February this year, but I decided to forgo my plan due to the rising cases.
“With this ongoing pandemic, we cannot travel back to our hometowns.
“I hope the cases will be reduced so that I can return to Penang soon.”
Alvie Cheng (34, former photographer & a Johorean)
“I have been in Penang for about 10 years and I will be starting a new job in Kuala Lumpur after the movement control order is lifted.
“After staying in the island for a decade, I will surely miss the place which has a rich history, diverse cultures and traditional values.
“Why Penang is also so attractive to me is because it is a food paradise. Furthermore, the closely-knit community in the state has helped me a lot during my working stint here.
“Due to the MCO, many people are unable to return to their hometowns. I guess we need to bear some hardship until the Covid-19 situation is under control.”
Loh Khang Herng (marketing executive)
“After working in Kuala Lumpur, I have not returned to Penang for nearly a year. The last time I went back was in July last year. I am missing my family.
“For the past year, I had spent many of the Chinese traditional festivals in the city. Today is the dumpling festival and I am celebrating it alone here.
“I really miss my hometown very much. The atmosphere is vastly different when you celebrate special occasions in Penang.
“Hence, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the current lockdown will improve the situation as the vaccination efforts are ramped up.
“Please follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) so that we can reunite with our family and friends soon.”
Wilson Ong Kah Heng (24, business development & customer relations officer)
“Due to this pandemic, every Malaysian working overseas has to endure the long separation from the family.
“The last time I went back to Penang was a year ago. And I am now still working in Woodlands, Singapore.
“We have no choice but to sacrifice. Let us suffer now to bring the Covid cases down and hope the dark clouds will blow over eventually.
“When the situation improves, everyone of us can be with our loved ones.”
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad and courtesy of interviewees