KUALA LUMPUR: With the extended Movement Control Order (MCO) period in full swing, Malaysians have been forced to get creative and diligent in filling their time while staying cooped up at home.
Some are learning to cook for the first time while others have discovered their talent in baking. And there are those who have picked up a new musical instrument by following tutorials on YouTube, whereas some have decided to share their skills.
Puchong-based photographer Chen Tian Chad, 33, took the opportunity to share some photography and editing tips on his social media platforms.
“Since all of us are staying at home at the moment, I find more time to edit my long overdue photos. I am also focusing on creating (photography-related) content.”
By sticking to the basics, Chen offers simple editing tips that can be done using a smartphone.
“It’s all about being creative as you go about editing your photos. There’s no rule. You can also leave me a comment if you have other photography-related questions or need some tips,” he said.
Since the MCO came into effect, Chen had no choice but to cancel many events such as wedding photoshoots.
Despite being under MCO, it didn’t stop Chen from taking pictures wherever he goes.
When he’s out on a grocery run, he usually takes his Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone with him as it allows him to snap a quick shoot.
“Although I can’t go out as much, I make do with every opportunity I get to take photos. As a content creator, that’s how you get by. You do everything within your own means.”
For freelance writer Chan Soo Wah, 32, learning how to bake had always been at the top of her list.
Staying at home allowed her to experiment with some recipes and she learnt how to use the oven properly. Previously, all her baked cookies and brownies came out burnt.
“I’m still confused by the oven’s many settings and functions,” she said, laughing. But with the extra time, Soo takes the opportunity to watch baking videos on YouTube as well as read up on the do’s and don’ts of baking.
“During the MCO, my work slowed down. So I thought, what better way to spend the time than learning how to bake?”
Soo finally made some progress after spending countless of hours in front of her laptop.
“I started with flat bread because I want to use up that tub of Greek yogurt, which was expiring soon. Then, I slowly ventured into white bread with the thought of replacing our desperate need for a loaf of bread.”
With her newfound success, Soo has been daring by venturing into more serious recipes. Her latest attempt: A batch of you tiao or cha kway (doughnut).
“I’ve made quite a lot of them and I’ve been sharing them with my family. Mum is making porridge to eat with the you tiao that I made from scratch,” she said, beaming with pride.
Being stuck at home also does not stop national Taekwondo Poomsae athlete Sara Yap Khim Wen, 26, from practising her kicking drills.
The Taekwondo practitioner, who took home the bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, said she still went through all the programmes that her coaches had prepared for the team.
“The only difference is that we’re practising at home instead of the gym. We’ve been doing this since the first day of the MCO. It’s definitely something new for our team.”
She said the team had been coping and adapting well to the new routine in a new atmosphere.
“The rhythm isn’t so much of a problem because we’ve been practising the same movement for a long time. We also have recorded videos of ourselves performing together as a team, so we can refer to it from time to time.
“I’m quite confident that as a team, when we get back together, we can adapt again,” she said, adding that her daily routine included conditioning and strength training, followed by stretches.
“During my free time, I take online courses, read books, do my own research and spend quality time with my mum,” said the athlete, who is also a budding artist who draws regularly.