Sin Chew Daily

The coronavirus is taking on the world in a big way. Here in Malaysia, the outbreak continues to expand, with the number of confirmed cases and deaths steadily rising.

Even in the midst of desperation and glumness, the meritorious acts of Malaysians from different ethnic backgrounds at different corners of this country have ignited the torch of love, lit up our hearts, and warm up our world.

The government is providing daily updates on the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The escalating numbers are sending chills and anxiety down the spine of many. Behind these horrifying numbers is the merciless virus vowing to destroy human health and even claim lives, creating more social uneasiness and fears as it goes.

Undeniably, humans are thought to be omniscient and all-powerful, but not quite so. There are inherent deficiencies in humanity. In this particular battle against the virus, Man have unreservedly showcased their selfishness. For instance, they refuse to comply with the movement control order and roam around freely or even assemble in public. In addition, their foolishness is also expressed in its essence, such as their scepticism of the power of science in fighting the infection.

That said, this is not everything about human nature. Buried deep inside every earthling is a tinder of kindness about to light up our path in front in the midst of darkness, and deliver a sense of warmth in bitter cold winters.

Indeed the unchecked growth of coronavirus in this country is dispiriting, but the many benevolent acts of Malaysians have added positive energy to our society, letting us see hope once again.

The three ethnic Chinese fishermen in Pulau Pangkor offered thousands of kilogrammes of fish to the local villagers for free irrespective of race, considering these people may not have the means to lead a decent life as they are unable to work owing to the MCO. Meanwhile, a landlord has exempted his tenant one month of rent because of the same concern.

A group of enthusiastic vegetable farmers and suppliers in Kuantan have donated some ten tonnes of vegetables to the local residents, while a man offers face masks and sanitisers to policeman doing their duties in the frontline, worrying about their high risk of infection.

There are many such little acts of kindness in our midst, attesting to the fact that while the virus is merciless and dreadful, there is always love on our planet. The fund raising campaign undertaken by Sin Chew Daily and Yayasan Sin Chew raised in excess of RM3.75 million as of noon Thursday.

Such acts of kindness have injected profuse positive energy into our society when we are overwhelmed by fear and darkness. We have seen that any single individual in our society — not just big shots or huge multinationals — can do his or her bit to help make our world a better place for all.

This viral outbreak is going to be a very tough protracted war which will invariably spawn negativism and pessimism along the way. Nevertheless, as long as we show our care and love for other people in this crisis, we will see light at the end of the tunnel.