One worried user requests prayers for his family members who were just taken away after testing positive for Covid-19.

Another writes that he had just lost a relative to the virus.

Meanwhile, other troubled users continue to report their symptoms, questioning if they could have possibly contracted the virus that shook the world.

Despite the flood of distressing posts, each and every one of them is met with hundreds of supportive responses and comments that somehow, serendipitously, ensure that not a single Malaysian would ever feel alone in their ongoing battle against the pandemic.

It is truly heartwarming to see Malaysians come to each other’s aid, even if it is done so virtually.

That is exactly what the administration team of the ‘Covid-19 Malaysian Stories’ Facebook group hopes to achieve – a massive online support system for patients to share their stories and inspire others who are struggling as well.

“This Facebook group was honestly just a wild idea between friends,” confesses Dr Malar Santhi Santherasegapan, an Emergency Room (ER) doctor at Columbia Asia Hospital in Cheras and one of the founders of the group.

She tells FMT that the idea came about when one of her friends, Norzat, spoke about a US-based Twitter account known as ‘Faces of Covid’ that compiles Covid-19 death stories.

“That instantly triggered the perfect idea, which was to create a Facebook group solely dedicated to Covid-19 survivors and for them to share their tales,” says Dr Malar, who adds that while doctors have limited rights to share their patients’ stories, this would be different for patients who do not have any legal limitations.

Her colleague, Dr Hilyah, immediately swung into action and created the Facebook group.

It took them 48 hours to complete the necessary basic requirements and adherence to the rules and regulations before opening it up to the public.

Careful not to reveal the identities of Covid-19 patients, the group consisting of friends and doctors set out on their mission to educate Malaysians about the deadly virus as well as its dangers and complications.

Unfortunately, as Dr Malar says, conspiracy theorists and irresponsible social media users kept on labelling them as ‘Doctor Cerpen’ and accused them of spreading fake information and stories.

But then, things took a different turn once patients themselves shared their own stories.

According to Dr Malar, the patients discussed all sorts of Covid-19-related topics and this encouraged others to share stories of how they survived the infection, their support system and the challenges they had to overcome.

Members who told stories of the lives lost because of Covid-19 also created more awareness – especially among the non-believers and naysayers.

“I personally think when the patients themselves share their stories, those who do not believe in the pandemic are unable to comment on how the virus is fake.

“People are more sensitive when the story is shared by victims as opposed to anybody else,” shares Dr Malar.

She also believes this group came at the right time as the Malaysian government had just recently announced that Covid-19 category one and two patients are to undergo home quarantine.

This led to a lot of uncertainties and confusion that users tried to clear by participating in the group chats and discussions.

“Many are still not well-versed with casual and close contact tracing and the duration of quarantine, that is why it is one of the most common questions asked,” adds Dr Malar.

“Patients also share stories and photographs of their struggles and ask for much-needed support and prayers from other group members.”

Currently, with over 3,700 members, the Covid-19 Malaysian Stories team hopes that more healthcare workers would join and lend their support to worried patients.

After all, the goal is for the group to grow and include other Covid-19 survivors in Malaysia.

Dr Malar understands that people are fearful, and it is a terrible thing as fear of the unknown makes them feel vulnerable.

But she advises that people should “not drown in the unknown, and instead, find the truth from the most reliable source.”

“Covid-19 Malaysia Stories offers you that platform, where you can read stories about patients, from patients themselves,” she says.

Looking for a support system during these tough times? Find comfort and answers by joining the Covid-19 Malaysian Stories group on Facebook today.