‘Merdeka Booster’ aims to lift spirits of frontliners

SERDANG: “Be strong and take care of yourself. We love you.” Those were among the words of encouragement written on a card given to frontliners at the Covid-19 Integrated Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) 2.0 at Malaysia Agro Expo Park Serdang (MAEPS) in conjunction with this year’s National Month celebration.

Copies of the card, along with a pill-shaped pen, were tied to the door handle of vehicles or side mirrors of motorcycles belonging to frontliners selected at random.

The “Merdeka Booster” initiative was introduced by the Mental and Psychosocial Health Support Services Unit (MHPSS) of the Selangor Health Department (JKNS) to enhance the emotional well- being of frontliners amid the increasingly challenging Covid-19 situation in the country.

JKNS Psychology Counseling Unit principal assistant director Suraya Banu Sallehudin said there had been a decline in motivation among frontliners recently, with some on the verge of giving up as the pandemic uncertainty continued.

“The token of appreciation is given to these frontliners to let them know that there are people who appreciate their sacrifices and to ensure that they remain strong in carrying out their duties,” she said.

Suraya Banu, who is also the MHPSS coordinator, said the card with the message, “Be strong because things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever,” gave frontliners hope that this challenging situation would end.She said frontliners who received the card had contacted MHPSS via WhatsApp, saying that they felt appreciated, loved and motivated.

“It means a lot to frontliners,” said PKRC MAEPS 2.0 media centre staff Norfarhana Mohd Zainal Abidin, who also received the card. — Bernama