Many Malaysians turned to emotional eating as a coping mechanism. High-sugar, high-fat foods provide temporary relief from anxiety. This created a vicious cycle: anxiety led to eating, which led to weight gain, which led to body dysmorphia and further anxiety—often exacerbated by seeing the "perfect bodies" of influencers on TikTok, creating a stark contrast with the reality of lockdown life.
In 2021, the cultural and health landscape of was deeply intertwined with Indonesian influences, particularly as both nations navigated the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period saw a "big" (besar) focus on shared well-being challenges, from migrant health literacy to the continued dominance of Indonesians in Malaysia's medical tourism sector.
Before 2021, the average Indonesian worker only visited a clinic when they were already sakit parah (very sick). The pandemic forced a shift toward cegah sebelum kena (prevent before getting sick).
The Tetek Besar tradition in Indonesia is a cherished cultural celebration that brings people together to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. As the country continues to observe this tradition, it is essential to appreciate the cultural significance and spiritual values that underlie this celebration.