With Malaysia’s movement control order (MCO) still in effect and a mandatory 14-day quarantine imposed upon her return from Singapore, one woman feared that she would not be able to say her last goodbye to her mother in Johor.
Fortunately, the stars aligned and the 28-year-old was able to see her mother for a final time on April 17, suited up in personal protective equipment (PPE), China Press reported.
The woman, who remains unnamed, usually commuted to Singapore from Kulai daily for her job at an electronics company, her sister told the Chinese newspaper.
But when Malaysia’s MCO kicked in on March 18, she chose to remain in Singapore for work.
As part of heightened measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Malaysian citizens returning from Singapore are required to be isolated at government quarantine centres for 14 days unless they have undergone a swab test in Singapore and tested negative for COVID-19.
When she received the news of their mother’s death on April 17, she immediately arranged to return to Johor the next day, hoping that the authorities would make an exception for her.
They rejected her initial request, sending her to a quarantine centre instead.
However, the officials at the quarantine centre eventually relented and gave her permission to pay her last respects to their mother on April 19, her sister said.
The only catch? She had to suit up in PPE, including a gown, mask and face shield.
Two other officials, who were also suited up, accompanied her to the crematorium and ensured that she maintained a safe distance from the other mourners.
The whole visit lasted only 15 minutes before she had to be ferried back to the quarantine centre, her sister said, but they were thankful for the chance to “gaze from afar” at each other.
The woman leaving the ceremony with two health officials. | Image: China Press
Malaysia’s MCO, which was originally in effect from March 18 to March 31, has been extended to April 28.
Under the MCO, all citizens are barred from travelling overseas. Non-essential businesses are also required to close.
Funerals may be held, but only immediate family members are allowed to attend.
This post was first published on AsiaOne and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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