Kamal, from Bangladesh, is worried. His rent was due weeks ago, but because of the movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia, he could not work to earn money to pay for his rent or food.

As much as he hated to do it, desperation drove Kamal to call his father in Bangladesh to ask if the 73-year-old could send him money. Fortunately, his father said yes and he was able to make do.

This situation is the opposite of what Kamal expected when he boarded a plane to Malaysia 15 years ago. Since 2005, the 40-year old has been working legally at a stall selling fresh coconut milk at the Petaling Jaya Old Town wet market. He usually makes RM60 daily, which comes up to about RM1,800 monthly if he works every day.

He would keep about RM800 to pay for necessities and send the rest to his parents, wife, and two children back home, which was enough to pay for their needs with a little set aside for a rainy day. However, now, their roles are reversed.

Furloughed during the MCO since March 18...