While the pandemic may be the new normal, it cannot be denied that it has also driven us to do odd things. For instance; hoarding toilet paper and panic buying. But in light of the entire situation, a few quirky actions are excusable.
Last week, a foreigner in Langkawi was spotted wearing a modified snorkeling mask. The man was wearing his getup while waiting to be vaccinated.
Photos of the man went viral on Facebook, with many appreciating his handmade mask. From the photos, it can be seen that the snorkeling mask was connected to a supposedly 5L bottle. Inside the bottle, an N95 mask was fixed to the other end of the tube. The man also wore a face mask over the snorkeling mask.
According to Harian Metro, the foreigner was seen at the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Sports Complex. Langkawi district health officer Dr. Mansor Ismail stated, “It is understood that he received a call to receive the vaccine injection through the MySejahtera application.”
The district health officer added the man was dressed normally and wearing a face mask when registering. However, when he was being monitored, the man pulled out the contraption from his bag before fixing it to his face. Mansor said he was not sure why the man would do such a thing as he supposedly had no respiratory-related illnesses.
Netizens had mixed responses to the foreigner’s actions. Some respected his odd outfit, saying, “He has probably realised the cases in Malaysia are getting more concerning.” Another praised him and his ingenuity. “Maybe he’s a genius who made his own air filter,” they said. “From those of us who don’t have the supplies: congratulations uncle, you’re a role model for the people.”
Others joked about the man, teasing that he had indeed gone snorkelling. Another posted a photo of someone who’d worn a similar outfit while riding a bike, saying they suspected it was the same person. One comment pointed out that the bottle was being held near his stockings. “What an amazing aroma,” the Facebook user quipped.
Although odd, we can’t help but respect the man for caring more about his health than how he looks. He made the choice to be a laughingstock rather than be infected by Covid-19. Truly admirable.
Sources: Harian Metro, Facebook
