MALAYSIA is now at the end of the first week of the movement-control order as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases grow.

The nation is in a battlefield. Everyone is struggling but there’s a silver lining. With all the fake news and disheartening statistics going around social media, there is still some optimism.

Just a day after the International Day of Happiness on March 20, a friend in Ireland sent me a message. In the brief message, she depicted the scenario in Ireland now, which is still under MCO.

The Irish are prompted to restrict their social interactions and schools are closed as well. The message ended with warm regards, urging me to stay safe and healthy in Malaysia. Her concern enlightened me amid the Covid-19 predicament to look for the silver lining.

First, solidarity among Malaysians. People are closer in the fight against this hardship.

The MCO is a good time for family members to brainstorm about meals menu and activities to be spent along with the children.

Many have started to spring clean and bonding with their children via activities like baking, cooking and reading.

In the middle of the storm created by Covid-19, people in Spain and Italy have come together every day, clapping hands to encourage one another, singing national anthems to boost the depressing atmosphere. People are united in a subtle way amid the pain and endurance.

Second, working from home increases productivity. Both employers and employees come into a parallel working plan to ensure a shared workload and adhere to the scheduling.

Working from home and self-discipline are the two sides of the same coin. The MCO opens up a space for most of us to train ourselves to diversify our role – ensuring that daily chores are accomplished, meals are well prepared, children and families are taken care of while keeping all work task on the right track.

In fact, working from home provides an opportunity to refrain from distraction and get all things done with the best practices.

Third, society is showing its humane and compassionate side. Civil society groups are setting up digital platforms to raise funds, such as Covid-19 pandemic fund by MERCY and FV Covid-19 support fund.

These unsung heroes are lending a helping hand to provide more medical aids to our national hospitals, especially front liners in need of masks, ventilators, sanitisers, as well as other and general supplies.  Aside from obeying to the rules of staying at home, spreading out love is the appropriate course of action when you have restricted movement.

Fourth, Mother Earth just hit the rest button when most places reported large-scale reduction of pollution.

China has shown significant reductions in air pollution as a result of the economic disruption from the coronavirus.

Malaysia, too, is registering less carbon emissions and sound pollution from traffic and industries.  The road accident rate might also drop with less traffic is on the road.

Lastly, some parts of the gig economy in Malaysia are standing still in this economic meltdown. While e-hailing operators are experiencing a drastic drop in businesses, food delivery riders from companies such as Grab Food, Foodpanda, Dahmakan and LalaMove are enjoying a boon.

There are more food orders when options for dining out are constrained. Meanwhile, online platforms are diversifying from food and beverage services to other services, such as daily necessities, products and home cleaning service, enabling delivery service providers to enjoy more business.

While most of the countries are weathering the storm of Covid-19, we need to uphold our responsibilities as citizens.

Malaysia has to cushion the blow of Covid-19. Front liners are battling the outbreak, police and soldiers are putting people under surveillance to ensure they adhere to the social-distancing rules.

Not forgetting, employers have to keep the wheels of the economy moving and children are not neglecting their studies.

The government is doing its bit to flatten the curve of Covid-19. We, as Malaysians, are urged to stay at home and fulfil our role, ensuring all obligations are accomplished proficiently.

The MCO will enter history, so let’s make it a memorable one. Stay home, be safe and stop sharing fake news. United we stand, buckle up Malaysians! – March 24, 2020.

* Iris Ng Pei Yi reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.