As Malaysia hits Day 7 of their Movement Control Order today (24 Mar), visuals uncommon to everyday life begin to surface.
First, there were empty malls and food places, now, attention goes to those still on duty during the lockdown, like this particular security guard.
Clasping his hands fervently in prayer, he appeared unaware of the photographer observing him from a distance.
Photojournalist Jahabar Sadiq was out in Kuala Lumpur (KL) yesterday (23 Mar) when he spotted the guard sitting alone by a wall.
With the “shuttered entrance/exit of the Masjid Jamek LRT station” beside him, the lone guard cast a striking figure amidst the chillingly quiet surroundings.
As KL was void of its usual buzz, Mr Jahabar zeroed in on the guard who sat facing the nearby Masjid Jamek.
He observed as the security guard rested his hands under his chin and closed his eyes, perhaps in silent prayer to the direction of the Kaabah in Mecca which mosques face.
Mr Jahabar couldn’t hear anything the guard said, but noted that his actions spoke loud enough. After a few quiet minutes, he unclasped his hand and covered his face, signalling the end of his prayer.
The moment may not have meant much on a regular day, but in turbulent times like now, the guard’s solemn expression and actions speak volumes.
At the end of the day, what Mr Jahabar hopes to convey is the sacrifice of frontline workers like the security guard, who risk their health while on duty.
Everyone else who has to stay home has to do only their little bit for society.
As Mr Jahabar said in his post, which has garnered over 6,000 shares at the time of writing,
He’s a man on duty in the time of the coronavirus. Out in the open while the rest of country stays in. He’s one of those on the frontline, keeping Malaysia safe. The least we can do is support those efforts — staying in while they do their part.
Indeed, we as civilians are only expected to do our part by observing social responsibility through acts like safe distancing and good personal hygiene.
Let’s not put our frontline workers’ efforts to waste by compromising each other’s health and safety. Every small action counts, so let’s all do the best that we can to help.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
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