TIME magazine honoured healthcare workers around the world as “Guardians of the Year for 2020” and in Malaysia, they are considered heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic, too.

Others deemed front-liners here include uniformed personnel and delivery riders, whose services have been a lifeline for many stuck at home under lockdown.

The Malaysian Insight spoke to a few frontline workers about work in the 10 months since the coronavirus upended the lives of everyone.

While the sacrifices, physical and emotional toll are undeniable, they also feel pride in serving the country.

A public sector doctor, who asked to be identified as Priya, said the hardest part of working during the pandemic was being unable to see loved ones and family because of her exposure to patients in hospital.

“My working hours have increased dramatically as we have to standby to accept Covid-19-positive patients and also juggle other routine work in the hospital.

“We’re doing all this with no raise, although there is a monthly incentive of RM600 for those handling Covid-19 patients.

“The biggest sacrifice for me is not being able to see my friends and family. I can’t see or meet them out of fear of giving them the virus, in case I might have contracted it without knowing. However, I know all this is done for the sake of the country.

“But I would say I am somewhat lucky as my husband and I are both doctors involved in caring for patients with Covid-19, so we get to stay together and work under the same roof,” said 35-year-old Priya.

Another government doctor, who wanted to be identified as Siva, 42, recalled the hectic early days of the movement-control order when the coronavirus was unfamiliar to everyone and hospitals were learning to adapt themselves with the growing caseload.

“I was scared to spend time with my family as I did not want them to get affected by the virus since I have an elderly person at home.

“I do feel as if I’m risking my life on a daily basis, but then that is the whole reason why I became a doctor – to save lives. I am glad that I have a part in helping the nation overcome this pandemic,” Siva said.

Grab Food delivery rider, Ariq Imran, said although their working hours were shortened and capped at 7pm during the MCO, the amount of orders on a daily basis was phenomenal. 

“I have been working everyday as my father, who before this was the sole breadwinner in our family, got laid off. Now I am the sole breadwinner,” said the 22-year-old.

“I recall the times me and other delivery riders would sit by the roadside to have a quick lunch, since dine-in was not allowed then.

“I am also grateful that most customers gave tips, which helped me to earn extra,” Ariq said.

A young police officer from Cheras, who only wanted to be known as Saren, said working hours during the lockdown were slightly reduced, from 12 to about eight.

“I would like to advise the public to always follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) even at home and among your own extended family,” said the 25-year-old, stressing caution even though most parts of the country are now in recovery MCO mode with more restrictions eased.

“Please think of healthcare and other front-liners like us who are away from our families You also have a role as a front-liner to reduce positive cases, and this will help the doctors, nurses and medical personnel.”

With Covid-19 showing no signs of abating in 2021 and the government easing restrictions to keep the economy afloat, Priya urges the public to think of the front-liners they hailed as heroes.

“There may be no or fewer restrictions but please do think of us and how we are away from our family and friends trying to keep everyone safe and treat those who are affected.” – January 3, 2021.