The world of Tzu Chi January 2021 (Vol.130)

2021 • 01 06 eature I n March 2020, the Malaysian government imposed the movement control order (MCO) to manage the spread of the Covid-19 virus. This measure affected the Malaysian economy negatively. A28-year-old contractual clerk, Mohd Irzwan Zulfitri bin Hamzah from Ampang, Selangor, was retrenched. His only alternative was to work as a courier to make a living, as such service was in demand during the lockdown period. By working hard, he could make ends meet then. When businesses resumed during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) in mid-June, many had adapted to the new norm. This resulted in the reduction in delivery, putting him in the dilemma of losing his income again. Irzwan has two children. The eldest is a 4-year-old autistic and hyperactive son, who attended a special needs school. The RM525 monthly fee was subsidized by the Selangor Zakat Board. Nevertheless, it was still burdensome for him, as his wife is due for delivery of twins in 2021. Fortunately, his landlord, who is his aunt, allowed leeway for his rental payment. “Unemployment rate is getting higher and it’s not easy to find a job now. Hence, when my eldest son brought home Tzu Chi’s ‘Kita1Keluarga’ relief programme leaflet from school, I decided to apply. Our family really needed this cash aid even though it was only for three months.” Irzwanwas overjoyedwith his successful By Tan Kim Hion & Yap Chai Hoon Irzwan, who lost his job, used part of the relief cash to run a food stall in front of his house. [Photograph by Kevin Tan Kok Sieong]