KUALA LUMPUR: Giving up has never been an option for Nurul Atiqah, even when things took a turn for the worse as the pandemic hit the country.

       She gave birth not long before Movement Control Order 1.0 was implemented last year, and soon thereafter she and her husband Muhammad Abqari, both 25, lost their jobs.

       With no income and mounting bills, the couple had no choice but to overcome the challenges that life has thrown at them by starting a business with their only skill – cooking.

       It has been over a year since they took the leap of faith and they are able to make ends meet. Atiqah, like the rest of us, is trying her best to keep afloat in the current situation.

       The pandemic has created new and harsh realities. Amid fear, doubts, insecurity and lack of self-belief, everyone is trying their best to persevere yet maintain optimism about the future.

       Despite the uncertainties, Malaysians stand united to weather the storm together.

       Unity in adversity is what this year’s #AnakAnakMalaysia campaign is centred on. With the theme Disinilah Kita Bersama, the campaign seeks to promote positivity and uplift the nation through stories of inspiring Malaysians.

       This annual campaign – a collaboration between Star Media Group and leading property developer Eco World Development Group Berhad (EcoWorld) – will feature three jointly produced National Day videos that highlight the ability of Malaysians to adapt and pull through with determination, perseverance and selflessness.

       From turning their lives around to helping others in greater need, three Malaysians share their fears, anxieties and motivation in hopes of spurring the nation to emerge stronger together post-pandemic.

       Joining Atiqah in this series is Tee Kian Ann, 48, who is doing all he can to protect the family’s legacy and preserve their 40-year culinary tradition. Even though food delivery is an option, the nature of preparing their signature dish wouldn’t allow it as it is best enjoyed by dining in.

       Nagalingam Nagaraju, 43, on the other hand, realised that the family is blessed to be able to keep their restaurant business running while others cannot even put food on their table. And what started as a small initiative to provide food for others has now become a collective effort to help the less fortunate.

       Be inspired by fellow Malaysians. View the first Disinilah Kita Bersama video at https://youtube/CtmG-Xs6-bA while the others will be released in stages.

       A highlight of past #AnakAnakMalaysia campaigns was the popular #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk.

       This year, Star Media Group and EcoWorld will be rolling out a fun campaign aimed at uniting Malaysians in our common love for food while at the same time support the local F&B industry.

       The #SapotLokalMakanLokal campaign will run from Aug 30 to Sept 16, 2021.

       Supporting local eateries is easy. All you need to do is take food pictures according to the theme, upload them on your social media and tag #SapotLokalMakanLokal, @ecoworld and @thestaronline.

       With a different food theme each day, your little action will definitely go a long way to help small businesses. The daily themes are:

       #HariSapotKuihLokal (Monday), #HariSapotNasiLokal (Tuesday), #HariSapotMeeLokal (Wednesday), #HariSapotRotiNBurgerLokal (Thursday), #HariSapotLaukPedas (Friday), #HariSapotSnekLokal (Saturday), #HariSapotHawkerLokal (Sunday) and #HariSapotBuahLokal (Malaysia Day).

       For more information, go to www.anakanakmalaysia.com.my