Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) was originally supposed to end on 31 March. It was later extended to 14 April. Due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases there, the MCO may be extended further, with restrictions in some areas within Malaysia partially lifted . For Malaysians stuck in Singapore since 18 March, the long wait and separation from families back home couldn’t be more agonising.

Some Singaporean residents have stepped forward to provide respite, by coordinating food and clothing donations, as well as providing logistical assistance for stranded Malaysians.

“Yesterday was 70 packs. Today we have 200 packets of mee or nasi goreng from a warung.”

My conversation with Siti Nurani Salim began this way because she was in a hurry to deliver these items to Malaysians staying in the northern and western parts of Singapore. The day before, she had covered the eastern and central parts.

Siti is not a FoodPanda or GrabFood delivery heroine on a bike, nor is she the owner of a restaurant. She’s a full-time working mum with two children and she’s paying for these packet food and drinks out of her own pocket. Some were contributions from friends and family.

She is just one of many Singaporeans who have stepped forward out of their own goodwill to aid Malaysian workers stranded in Singapore due to the extended Movement Control Order (MCO).

“I was alerted by a few of my Facebook contacts asking me if we’re able to assist. The first thought which struck me is food to eat. There’s no way they can cook in their temporary lodgings besides boiling water with their electric kettles.”