An Examination of Spiritual Practices during the Movement Control Order (MCO) and their Long-Term Impacts on Behavior

Abstract

The pandemic significantly affected Malaysia's economy, resulting in a GDP decline of 17.1%. A survey indicated that 67.8% of enterprises saw no sales during the Movement Control Order (MCO), with 92.8% of them being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study examines the spiritual activities of UTHM Muslims following the MCO, emphasizing personal and ethical impacts. Participants consisted of UTHM staff, interviewed mostly two years after the stay-at-home order (March 2020) and one year following the conclusion of the MCO (ending May 17, 2021). The results indicated that participants aged 31-40 exhibited a substantially higher interest in online lectures (0.43) compared to other age groups (0.18). Senior officers favored online seminars over their counterparts at other grade levels. Male individuals participated more in family religious activities (mean 0.46) than female participants (0.21). Age, number of offspring, and educational level did not significantly influence familial religious practices. Self-reflection religious activities were minimal during and after the MCO, with merely 25% of participants engaging in frequent practice. The MCO enhanced individual resilience and awareness of expanded charitable capacities via online lectures, electronic donations, and social media initiatives. Family interactions resumed normally following the MCO.