I had (well, still have) really huge plans coming up this Summer, but looking at the Covid-19 situation now, my plans are made really uncertain. I have always wanted to remain in the UK for the entirety of my first year at university for various reasons, including my summer plans and my wish to experience working on the service line at a local outlet. Despite the developing pandemic, cancellations of my university's remaining terms and a lockdown in the UK, I still wanted to stay back. My main concerns of returning to Malaysia were the risks of contracting the virus on my way home, and potentially bringing it back to my family members. There was also no adequate quarantine space at home, thus a safer option for me was to remain in the UK.
However, as the pandemic worsened, my family and I decided that I should return to Malaysia before all flights entering the country were banned. The decision was made after much contemplation. On the 5th of April, the day before my flight, the number of cases in the UK has passed 47K, with more than 5K new cases reported on the day itself. The virus reached Malaysia earlier than the UK, but with proper and better containment efforts, the number of cases has yet to pass 4K. This might suggest that Malaysia's lockdown will be lifted earlier, thus more progress can made in my life earlier if I were to return to Malaysia. Plus, medical assistance in Malaysia is far more efficient than what the UK's National Health Service could offer in this trying time as their healthcare system has become overstressed with the number of cases.
I came to the UK to read Economics at the University of Warwick on the 25th of September 2019- it has only been about 6 months. It surely does feel like I have been here for a very long time. These months have been crazily productive, progressive and 'insta-worthy 🤪'. I made friends thanks to Warwick Malaysian Student Association, UKEC, Charisma Movement and Warwick ASEAN Conference; learned so much about cooking and managing my own life. Safe to say it has been one of the best and most adventurous consecutive 6 months I have spent.
8am UKT, 6 April 2020
I arrived at London Heathrow Airport by Uber, only to meet many seniors from my previous college, Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar. Most of them were Petronas scholars, they were given the option by their sponsor to fly on the day itself or two days before that. The number of flights from the UK back home has been drastically reduced. The remaining dates with available flights on Malaysia Airlines are 14, 21 and 28 April. After checking in my luggage, I entered the departure hall, got breakfast and sat down to read.
11am UKT, 6 April 2020
I boarded the plane. It was not entirely full, but still rather packed. I spent the 13-hour journey taking short naps and trying to complete a movie marathon. I watched 6 movies: Contagion (Yes, I watched this first), Smallfoot (I love the songs!), Dark Shadows, Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son, The Devil Wears Prada and Life of The Party.
Malaysia Airlines' flight attendants were extremely amiable and efficient, as they made sure all passengers' needs were well attended (and plus, they offered me drinks frequently). I had to take extra precaution every single time I decide to put something into my mouth by making sure I sanitised my hands with my sanitiser gel. The meals on board were delicately prepared, check it out:
6:30am MYT, 7 April 2020
Malaysia is 7 hours ahead of the UK. Thus, I arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in the morning of the next day despite taking an 13-hour flight. We were given instructions as to proceed with a series of protocols set the Malaysian government. This included a quick body temperature screening, a brief medical interview and having to fill up several health declaration forms.
The policemen worked extra hard to ensure that everyone proceeded in an orderly fashion. We were then separated into groups of 17, which then were allocated into separate buses arranged to transport us to the quarantine centre. This was to ensure adequate social distancing was practised.
We were escorted to claim our luggage before being led to the buses. There were workers on standby outside of the buses to sanitise our luggage and cabin bags. I remember praising these workers in my head on how professional and friendly they were. The escorts even thanked us for our cooperation before we boarded the buses. Well, I melted. We should be the ones thanking them for working in such a high-risk environment- being in first-hand contact with potential coronavirus carriers.
10:30am MYT, 7 April 2020
It took us quite some time before the bus could depart from the airport as the authorities had to ensure that everyone on my flight completed all the protocol procedures before being able to board the buses. We were sent to Sunway Pyramid Hotel, for our 14-day quarantine. Just to mention, our buses were escorted by the police along the way. We were asked to wait patiently outside of the hotel as we had to get down one by one, bus by bus. We had another quick temperature screening at the entrance before checking in (a quick procedure where we were given our room keys after our identification/passports were photocopied). I was given a cozy room with a king-sized bed on the 7th floor.
And yes, I have a breath-taking view of the legendary Sunway Lagoon.
We receive food 3 times per day: 7am, 12:30pm and 6:30pm.The hotel staffs would leave it outside of our rooms. The food is rather palatable, but it isn't fully filling especially for a big eater like myself. There would also be occasional reminders from the police on loudspeakers to ensure no one leaves their rooms, and there is also a brief temperature screening at my door (almost) every day in the afternoon.
At the time of writing, I am on my fourth day of quarantine and I am honestly having a good time. I am grateful for the government's effort in taking such good care of the Malaysians coming home from foreign countries at such a time. As usual, I am undeniably occupied with work, but this is keeping my lifestyle healthy. I do keep in touch with friends on the phone as well. I am beyond excited to be back in Malaysia, and I look forward to catching up with my friends face-to face soon, over scrumptious local cuisines.
However, personal experience coming back to Malaysia from the UK may differ from person to person. I was fortunate enough to have not shown any symptom of contracting the virus- thus my smooth and rather enjoyable experience.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person working on the frontline right now for keeping the situation under control. Guys, after the lockdown, please support local businesses (eg. the roadside nasi lemak stalls, your favourite mamak and all other local brands) as they are severely affected by the economic standstill. Let's help Malaysia bounce back economically.
Just a quick update on the Covid-19 situation, as of the time of writing, the UK has recorded a total of 65K cases, and unfortunately almost 8K of deaths have occurred. For updates, feel free to check out this website.
Written by,
Euan Thum,
10/4/2020.
However, as the pandemic worsened, my family and I decided that I should return to Malaysia before all flights entering the country were banned. The decision was made after much contemplation. On the 5th of April, the day before my flight, the number of cases in the UK has passed 47K, with more than 5K new cases reported on the day itself. The virus reached Malaysia earlier than the UK, but with proper and better containment efforts, the number of cases has yet to pass 4K. This might suggest that Malaysia's lockdown will be lifted earlier, thus more progress can made in my life earlier if I were to return to Malaysia. Plus, medical assistance in Malaysia is far more efficient than what the UK's National Health Service could offer in this trying time as their healthcare system has become overstressed with the number of cases.
I came to the UK to read Economics at the University of Warwick on the 25th of September 2019- it has only been about 6 months. It surely does feel like I have been here for a very long time. These months have been crazily productive, progressive and 'insta-worthy 🤪'. I made friends thanks to Warwick Malaysian Student Association, UKEC, Charisma Movement and Warwick ASEAN Conference; learned so much about cooking and managing my own life. Safe to say it has been one of the best and most adventurous consecutive 6 months I have spent.
Here is a breakdown of my journey home:
I arrived at London Heathrow Airport by Uber, only to meet many seniors from my previous college, Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar. Most of them were Petronas scholars, they were given the option by their sponsor to fly on the day itself or two days before that. The number of flights from the UK back home has been drastically reduced. The remaining dates with available flights on Malaysia Airlines are 14, 21 and 28 April. After checking in my luggage, I entered the departure hall, got breakfast and sat down to read.
11am UKT, 6 April 2020
I boarded the plane. It was not entirely full, but still rather packed. I spent the 13-hour journey taking short naps and trying to complete a movie marathon. I watched 6 movies: Contagion (Yes, I watched this first), Smallfoot (I love the songs!), Dark Shadows, Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son, The Devil Wears Prada and Life of The Party.
Malaysia Airlines' flight attendants were extremely amiable and efficient, as they made sure all passengers' needs were well attended (and plus, they offered me drinks frequently). I had to take extra precaution every single time I decide to put something into my mouth by making sure I sanitised my hands with my sanitiser gel. The meals on board were delicately prepared, check it out:
Grilled chicken with mashed potatoes
Nasi Lemak (Rice cooked with coconut milk, served with chicken curry)
6:30am MYT, 7 April 2020
Malaysia is 7 hours ahead of the UK. Thus, I arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in the morning of the next day despite taking an 13-hour flight. We were given instructions as to proceed with a series of protocols set the Malaysian government. This included a quick body temperature screening, a brief medical interview and having to fill up several health declaration forms.
The policemen worked extra hard to ensure that everyone proceeded in an orderly fashion. We were then separated into groups of 17, which then were allocated into separate buses arranged to transport us to the quarantine centre. This was to ensure adequate social distancing was practised.
We were escorted to claim our luggage before being led to the buses. There were workers on standby outside of the buses to sanitise our luggage and cabin bags. I remember praising these workers in my head on how professional and friendly they were. The escorts even thanked us for our cooperation before we boarded the buses. Well, I melted. We should be the ones thanking them for working in such a high-risk environment- being in first-hand contact with potential coronavirus carriers.
10:30am MYT, 7 April 2020
It took us quite some time before the bus could depart from the airport as the authorities had to ensure that everyone on my flight completed all the protocol procedures before being able to board the buses. We were sent to Sunway Pyramid Hotel, for our 14-day quarantine. Just to mention, our buses were escorted by the police along the way. We were asked to wait patiently outside of the hotel as we had to get down one by one, bus by bus. We had another quick temperature screening at the entrance before checking in (a quick procedure where we were given our room keys after our identification/passports were photocopied). I was given a cozy room with a king-sized bed on the 7th floor.
We receive food 3 times per day: 7am, 12:30pm and 6:30pm.The hotel staffs would leave it outside of our rooms. The food is rather palatable, but it isn't fully filling especially for a big eater like myself. There would also be occasional reminders from the police on loudspeakers to ensure no one leaves their rooms, and there is also a brief temperature screening at my door (almost) every day in the afternoon.
However, personal experience coming back to Malaysia from the UK may differ from person to person. I was fortunate enough to have not shown any symptom of contracting the virus- thus my smooth and rather enjoyable experience.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person working on the frontline right now for keeping the situation under control. Guys, after the lockdown, please support local businesses (eg. the roadside nasi lemak stalls, your favourite mamak and all other local brands) as they are severely affected by the economic standstill. Let's help Malaysia bounce back economically.
Just a quick update on the Covid-19 situation, as of the time of writing, the UK has recorded a total of 65K cases, and unfortunately almost 8K of deaths have occurred. For updates, feel free to check out this website.
Data shows Malaysia has the situation under much control. For more updates, check out this webiste.
Written by,
Euan Thum,
10/4/2020.
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