#MYStayHome: Namewee draws on SARS experience for Covid-19 quarantine

Recalling his experience with SARS while studying in Taiwan, Namewee advises all to #StayHome. — Instagram

It was inevitable that Namewee had to stay indoors upon his return to Malaysia on March 20.

In addition to complying with Malaysia’s movement control order, he also had to observe a 14-day self-quarantine after returning from Taiwan where he produced Getaway To Kaohsiung, the tourism promo he created for the Tourism Bureau of Kaohsiung.

The 36-year-old shared on social media pictures of himself departing from an empty Taoyuan Taipei International Airport and arriving in an even emptier KLIA, with the comment “walking also got echo”.

The Muar-born filmmaker-cum-musician had initially planned to "balik kampung" to conduct local auditions for his upcoming sports movie about basketball, which was supposed to commence principal photography in April.

Instead, he will be hiring a team of video editors to work indoors and assist him in editing movies, music videos, commercials, Youtube videos and other similar projects.

Namewee flew back to Malaysia on March 20, two days after the MCO was put in place. — Instagram

Namewee has long advocated for more stringent movement control to stem the spread of Covid-19 infection, due to his past experience with the deadly SARS outbreak while studying in Taiwan.

So, in his latest video, he earnestly reminded Malaysians to #stayhomestaysafe. “I wish to advise everybody to stay at home. Don’t go running all over the place.”

The prolific songwriter revealed that his fridge is always well-stocked, since he is quite accustomed to working from home; so, he is well-prepared for the 14-day self-quarantine. “Even so, I stocked up on medical essentials and other foods just in case.”

Looking on the bright side, Namewee is glad that the MCO allows him to take a breather and recuperate. “I was too busy back then, but now that I have more time to rest, I think I will be much healthier in this period of time.”