HEROES OF THE FRONT LINES

As most Malaysians stranded at home during the COVID 19 pandemic, many front-liners and essential workers still have to go work. The term front- liners often conjure the images of healthcare staffs such as doctors, nurses, medical assistants, pharmacist, radiographers and many other healthcare providers. However, during this disastrous outbreak, workers across various industries are demanded as the essential parts of the instrument that keeps the globe in motion. They are required to serve despite great risk foreseen in the battlefield. Our heroes need to leave their loved ones to perform the tasks and safeguard the healthcare services entrusted to them. Generally, the majority of the front liners are from the healthcare and social assistance, retails and food services. 

          Law enforcement is crucial to control the disease, foster public safety and curb criminal occurrence who take advantage during the pandemic. The police officers safeguard the movement control order (MCO) in public. The situation may go even worse and the efforts to flatten the curve on COVID 19 would be highly impossible without the implementation of MCO which are monitored by the police officers. Nevertheless, RELA officers and military officers work in tandem with the police officers to ensure the public adhere to the enforcement or instructions to break the chain of the disease. On the other hand, public transport operators such as bus drivers, taxi drivers, railway workers and many others require quick adjustment to function amidst unexpected catastrophe. Public transport as the backbone of cities is essential to keep the public moving to their destination especially workplace and ensure the passenger’s safety. A journalist is valued at the present situation with the constant barrage of new cases, new information and new advice regarding COVID 19. Media have a vital obligation as a communication bridge between the authorities and the public. If once a week show up for groceries pump up COVID 19 anxiety, imagine what it feels for those retail store employees such as cashiers who have direct contact with customers and surfaces such as money, debit cards, food counters and products as they go about their work.E-hailing food delivery became the new tradition in the most of the Malaysian’s houses during the enforcement. It is most preferred despite big concern for transmitting the disease during the delivery process still exist. Sanitation workers are often overlooked but they put their lives at stake and plays a critical responsibility to maintain hygiene and preventing the spread of the disease. The lists of other front-liners may go even longer, who devoted their energy and time to stifle this pandemic. 

          " Each day brings new challenges to our frontline workers and as the crisis unfolds, we see the passion, strength and creativity being demonstrated by our staff, going beyond the call of duty” Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah mentioned in his official

Facebook page. There are several reasons underpin the link between the front- liners roles clarity and work engagement. They frequently face unexpected demand in the line of providing their service. Also, the surge of demands intricates their daily living and facing difficulties in accomplishing those demands on time. Consequently, a change in job routine and huge work burden ends up in adaptation issues. Hence, they are mentally and physically disturbed due to the disharmony in the work-life which may lead to social problems in future. It is such a pitiful sight to see photographs of weary front-liners working on the battlefield despite tote the risk of getting infected by the virus. The tension of being away from their spouses, children and parents at the time they needed most identified as the biggest challenge. Some of them even house the workplace due to the fear of transmitting the virus to their family members if they return to home. Change in work schedule or long working hours draws up their valuable time for family too. The next challenge in the queue is insufficient or inaccessible to PPE(Personal Protective Equipment). Even the basic PPE such as facemasks and gloves to protect them are out of reach.

       We should be humbled with their immense sacrifices, unwavering commitment and invaluable dedication by risking them to save the nation. So, we may offer our gratitude in various ways to thank and encourage their contributions as listed below:

• Making a simple sign of thank you for your garden or window that the workers will see as they walk or drive past your home.
• Donate basic PPE such as facemasks and gloves since they are facing inadequacy. 
• Donate foods possibly healthy meals at their workplace.
• Send an encouraging note or messages via email, SMS or WhatsApp, they will appreciate knowing that you are there for them.
• Offer a small amount of gratuity as a sign of appreciation such as giving tip to the food delivery riders.
• Discount for their foods and essential purchases.
• Importantly, minimize their stress and show kindness by obeying the MCO and #STAY AT HOME!