The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

eature By Yap Chai Hoon Translated by Choo Suet Fun Photograph by Sam Pin Fook Are We Ready for the New Normal? May 13, 2020 marks a turning point in Malaysia’s history as the commencement date of the conditional movement control order (CMCO), which signifies the point of transition from the everyday routine we were once familiar with to a life of social distancing, face masks and increased emphasis on personal hygiene, now commonly known as the “new normal”. After the fourth phase of the previously stricter iteration of the CMCO, the movement control order (MCO), had ended on May 12, traffic began building on the roads as various business sectors reopened, albeit with a freshly-implemented set of standard operating procedures in place. Most, if not all, Malaysians are leaving home with face masks, while bottles of hand sanitizer greet customers and patrons who enter retail or dining premises.We seem to be back on track to our normal lives, yet we are acutely aware of the changes that have taken place as we re-emerge from the MCO that has had a potentially significant impact on our daily habits and social practices. EITA Resources Berhad resumed operations on May 4. Among the company’s staff returning to work was Group Managing Director Fu Wing Hoong. Wing Hoong and his employees were subjected to temperature checks at not only the security booth but also the reception area, where their personal particulars and time of arrival were recorded, before being allowed to enter the office wearing face masks. “Even as the leader of the company, I’mnot exempted fromadhering to these precautionary procedures before clocking in to work,” remarked Wing Hoong, a reminder that the novel coronavirus does not discriminate between ranks. The “new normal” is a reality that we are compelled to accept, for everyone is equal before the pandemic, regardless of status, circumstances, race or religion. 2020 • 06 04