YOUNG adults facing an uncertain future after losing their jobs because of the movement-control order (MCO) are opting to return to their hometowns to help with their families’ small businesses.

Living in Kuala Lumpur is unsustainable without employment and Nor Azan Fitri knew he had no choice but to return to his kampung in Sg Petani, Kedah.

The 26-year-old was let go from his hotel job in early April, shortly after the MCO, aimed at breaking the chain of Covid-19 infections, took effect on March 18.

“For days, I thought and talked to my wife about it. It was a difficult decision, but we had no choice.

“If I continued to live in the city, I would have to use my family’s savings to pay rent and other expenses as my wife is not working.

“In the kampung, we’re able to save by staying at my parents’ house,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a financial blow to companies, leading many to retrench workers or forcing them into early retirement.

The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research estimates that about 2.4 million people will lose their jobs following the economic downturn.

Last month, the Social Security Organisation (Socso) said it recorded an increase in applications for training programmes from those who lost their jobs during the MCO.

Some feel it is best to cut their losses and head back to their hometowns.

The high rent in the city spurred Mimi Syuhada Kamarudin, who was retrenched from her stewardess job, to return to her kampung.

“I think it’s better to live in the kampung. My parents wanted me to come back as well.”

Now in Kuala Terengganu, the 35-year-old is running a home-based food business with her aunt.

Ariff Mohamed, a former marketing executive, is back in Jitra, Kedah, where he is working as a padi farmer.

The 32-year-old made the decision to return to his kampung after his company closed for good last month.

“I can say I came back to the kampung with only my clothes and some essential items.

“I sold my household items, like the refrigerator, sofa and washing machine immediately after getting my interstate travel application approved.”

As of now, he has no plans to return to Kuala Lumpur despite the conditional MCO ending on June 9, as he does not think the job market will turn favourable any time soon.

“I doubt I will ever return to KL. I don’t think I can get a job because of the current economic situation. It’s better for me to focus on being a family farmer and help out in the padi fields.”

Amirah Zahid, 26, is selling mini popiah after losing her job as an administrative and operations executive last month.

She is planning to move back to her kampung in Terengganu as the high cost of living in the city is eating into her savings.

“I will go home mainly because I cannot afford to live in the city any more.

“I plan to work in the agriculture sector, since that was what I studied.

“I’m surviving on my savings now and I know they won’t last. To get some money, I started helping my sister sell mini popiah from home.”

Nur Atika, 25, a customer service assistant at an airline lounge in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is on unpaid leave until next month.

She hopes to still keep her job after July but at the moment, she is back home in Sarawak, hoping to save as much as possible.

“Staying with my parents has allowed me to save up. I’m also receiving financial help from Socso.

“I still have to pay my room rental, but at least, I can cut other expenses and save some money till July.” – June 4, 2020.