CORONAVIRUS | While many working mothers are adjusting to a new routine of staying at home under the movement control order (MCO), other women on the frontline are left with little choice but to remain away from their family members.
People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) member Noraini Mohd Nor (above) is among personnel on duty along Jalan Masjid India, nearby the Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion, two out of several areas under the enhanced MCO after a spike in positive Covid-19 cases.
She told Malaysiakini that her time spent at home, since March 18 when the MCO was first enforced, has been limited.
"I am not complaining about not having enough time for my husband and children. But that is the reality.
"Everyone has their own responsibilities and this is my duty as a frontliner," said the 55-year-old mother of two.
Hailing from Lembah Pantai, Noraini said she needed an income to support her husband who has a disability.
"But I do feel sad for not having time for my family. I am forced to wake up extra early and prepare food for them before coming here," she said.
On April 7, the government had placed the Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion buildings under enhanced MCO, forcing 6,000 residents - under close guard from police, army and Rela personnel - to remain at home for Covid-19 screenings.
Sharing Noraini's views is 34-year-old Rela personnel and single mother of three children, K Rajeswary.
On most days, Rajeswary said she would bring back food donated for frontliners to her children waiting at home in Sentul.
"I have three children and two of them are disabled. There are no adults to take care of them.
"Every morning I have to be here by 7.30am. I hitch a ride with my friend to work, so I have no time to cook," she said.
"By the time I reach home it will be night time and all the shops are closed.
"So I'm forced to bring back the donated food for my children," she said.
Her spirit, however, remained strong and Rajeswary said that she would be filled with pride every time she dons the Rela uniform to be on duty.
In this case, she said the medical personnel who are forced to wear the full set of personal protective equipment (PPE) would be working in tougher conditions, particularly when outside of a hospital facility.
"I have tried wearing the PPE to help them, and it was extremely hot. It would be hot even while standing in an air-conditioned room, let alone out in the open like here in Masjid India," she said.
"In fact, there was a suffocation incident, because it was too hot [...] the people must understand these difficulties and cooperate with the frontliners," she said.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday announced that the MCO would be extended into the third phase from April 15 to April 28. - Mkini
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