SINCE the movement-control order (MCO) took effect on March 18, Kuala Lumpur has felt like a ghost town.
The streets of the capital city, usually a hive of activity, are empty as people stay indoors to stem the spread of Covid-19.
Under the MCO, non-essential businesses are required to cease operations, and the public can only leave home to get food and other essentials, or for emergencies.
The government directive, initially set to end today, has been extended to April 14. – March 31, 2020.
A view of empty streets at the old Kuala Lumpur railway station. It served as the city’s main rail hub until KL Sentral took over the role in 2001. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Kuching are eerily empty. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020.Dataran Merdeka, usually teeming with tourists, sees no activity during the MCO. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. An aerial view of Dataran Merdeka and Masjid Jamek in Kuala Lumpur. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. A view of an empty Dataran Merdeka. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. No visitors are seen at Tugu Negara in Kuala Lumpur. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. A general view of the Parliament building in the capital. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. An aerial shot of Tugu Negara. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. An aerial view of Dataran Merdeka. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. The Petronas Twin Towers make up part of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. Lake Symphony at KLCC, a popular tourist spot, is empty during the MCO. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020. A shot of the old Kuala Lumpur railway station. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020.Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur stands empty as the government has ordered the suspension of all activities at mosques and surau during the MCO. – Pic by SC Shekar, March 31, 2020.
From the start of the MCO, while on assignment for the Malaysian Insight Online news portal, I decided to photograph my city of Kuala Lumpur, where I was born and brought-up and schooled. The last time this city was void of humans on her streets was on May 13th 1969, an ugly black mark on the consciousness of the country. Fifty-one years later, we are confronted by another emergency that has emptied our streets once again. One which is far more sinister than the riots of 1969. Here is an enemy we cant see but has crippled the economy, caused untold fear and suffering and has killed so many. And kill it certainly does, regardless of who you are, your station in life, race, creed or religion. It is often said that out of every calamity is born a new beginning. For me, the most visible aspect of this new beginning is how nature has begun to recover from the abuse we as a human race has inflicted upon her. Brilliant blue skies, clear and crisp mornings and cleansing afternoon showers. I know that we will recover from this and we will find a way, as life always has and must. These pictures are a tribute to the frontline workers, like the police, military, doctors & nurses and so many others who work silently in the background so that we can be saved. These pictures are also for all of you who have stayed at home and observed the MCO directive. Love to all of you.
SC Shekar
Fabulous pictures which belie the nervous tension enveloping the city and its people. But in their brilliance, they serve to soar flagging spirits of viewers and kindle some appreciation of where we are.
Congratulations to TMI and Mr SC Shekar for this visual treat from places and angles unknown!
Mister Shekar, I disagree with you that this situation is more sinister than that of 1969. This coronavirus is not even a living entity, but just a protein that has a particular effect on the human physiology. It has no responsibility, it has no moral awareness, it has no intention, ethical or otherwise. It just is - a protein. 1969 was a product of a cynical bid for power, a betrayal of the social contract of Independence, a genocidal crime of immense proportions that never came to justice. We have not yet recovered from that event.
While I certainly enjoy your images, and how they remind me of the halcyon days of my childhood, I feel that comparing a passing infection to a tragic political event somewhat downplays the responsibility and guilt that some contemporary personalities should be carrying. I know the apparent slur was not intended, and I appreciate your positive outlook on the current situation which I share. I will always have hope for the return of sanity and the multiracial vision for Malaysia, which young Malaysians have never experienced.
In spite of my feelings about Mahathir, I believe the concept of Wawasan 2020 that he promoted in the 80s and 90s had some merit. If we had truly explored the meaning of that vision, and its implications for the whole nation, 2020 would not have come around as such a disaster - and we are only in the first quarter.
I certainly hope that the constraints of this time will make people review what is important, and how we can go forward as a community and fulfil the enormous potential of this people.
In his recent incarnation, Mahathir, indisputably did everything to prove that he was no believer in Wawasan 2020 and that it was little more than another cynical political ploy. He had, since May 2018, every opportunity to put the "Visi" on steroids but chose to do everything anathema to it ...culminating of course in that infamous gathering on October 6th 2019 which he stealthily organized.
But I think we digress. Shekar's pictures help assuage the feeling of dread while hinting at the blue skies that are possible when vehicular emissions are drastically reduced. Cheers everyone.
Comments
SC Shekar
Posted 4 years ago by Lynette Yeow · Reply
Congratulations to TMI and Mr SC Shekar for this visual treat from places and angles unknown!
Posted 4 years ago by Vaz Brahms · Reply
While I certainly enjoy your images, and how they remind me of the halcyon days of my childhood, I feel that comparing a passing infection to a tragic political event somewhat downplays the responsibility and guilt that some contemporary personalities should be carrying. I know the apparent slur was not intended, and I appreciate your positive outlook on the current situation which I share. I will always have hope for the return of sanity and the multiracial vision for Malaysia, which young Malaysians have never experienced.
In spite of my feelings about Mahathir, I believe the concept of Wawasan 2020 that he promoted in the 80s and 90s had some merit. If we had truly explored the meaning of that vision, and its implications for the whole nation, 2020 would not have come around as such a disaster - and we are only in the first quarter.
I certainly hope that the constraints of this time will make people review what is important, and how we can go forward as a community and fulfil the enormous potential of this people.
Posted 4 years ago by Gerald Lopez · Reply
But I think we digress. Shekar's pictures help assuage the feeling of dread while hinting at the blue skies that are possible when vehicular emissions are drastically reduced. Cheers everyone.
Posted 4 years ago by Vaz Brahms · Reply