[PHOTOS] 2021, what a year to remember

KUALA LUMPUR – 2021 was a colourful year, there was something to be said about politics, socio-economics, health, the environment, and human tragedy.

For a photojournalist, it certainly provided opportunities to capture interesting photographs – although some were of disasters.

Like a veteran journalist has said before, if a dog bites a postman that’s not news, but if the postman bites a dog, then that is news.

But hard work and creativity are not enough to get you great photos – much of it is due to luck as well.

The Vibes Visuals Team has been given the opportunity to display a collection of our best work that we have put up this year. – The Vibes, December 31, 2021

Part of a photographer’s work is waiting for the right moment with a fair bit of good luck. The arrival of the first Covid-19 vaccine batch earlier this year was much anticipated by Malaysians.

This moment was captured when the first shipment of the vaccine was taken out of the heavily guarded Advanced Cargo Centre at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The aircraft in the background also helps give the photo a different impact.

As the world’s greatest documentary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson once said, when a photographer raises his camera at something that is taking place in front of him, there is one moment at which the elements in motion are in balance.

This picture – taken on December 22 in Hulu Langat – perfectly sums up the recent flood tragedy that befell the nation. To me, the image of two elderly women performing prayers at the remains of their family house after the floods shows that we are just humans, helpless against the force of nature.

I was taken aback by what was left of the place after the waters started to recede. It brought back memories of what I saw in 2011, while covering the quake and tsunami aftermath in Japan.

These experiences made me realise that we only have God to depend on, and that we must always return to Him to beg for His mercy and protection.

I chose this picture out of sympathy for the undocumented migrant families who were detained by the Immigration Department. In this image, the migrants can be seen as if asking for sympathy for their release.

As a newsman, we sometimes have to set aside sympathy and empathy while on duty. That is one of the hardest parts of the job.

If I have to choose one picture to summarise the year, then this is it – the mixed feelings of the majority of Malaysians who lived through the deaths of their family and friends as a result of Covid-19.

Some lost their jobs, and others took to the streets to express their anger and frustration at the government over its failure to manage the pandemic.

I chose this picture because this was the second year that Malaysians celebrated Eid or Hari Raya Aidilfitri during the pandemic.

At the time, worshippers wanted to attend prayers at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, but were unfortunately not allowed to enter.

Yet, they laid out their prayer mats outside the mosque to conduct their prayers. For me, this image won’t be happening anymore today.

I found this picture unique. The boy came to help neighbours affected by flash floods in Ampang on November 25. However, he had to put his efforts on hold after he stepped on glass embedded in the mud.

Alone at the time, he had to endure the pain for a few minutes, almost passing out as the others were busy cleaning their houses.

I really like this video because of the many stories behind the devastating floods and water column phenomenon at Gunung Jerai, Kedah, back in August. The recording had not reflected my worries and anxieties while capturing a scene in the video.

All I can say is, my life felt almost like it was drifting away. However, I had enjoyed the editing process due to the close collaboration between the reporter and myself. – ALIF OMAR/The Vibes file video, December 31, 2021

To celebrate World Post Day on October 9, 2021, we followed veteran postman Samsuri Ahmad to see how he kept Malaysians connected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was the first episode of our mini-docu series called “Unsung Frontliners”, hoping to pay tribute to the often forgotten heroes of the pandemic. 

And what an adventure this was – from following a line-haul postman’s delivery journey, to keeping an old security guard company in the wee hours of the night and helping food distributions in a small cafe.

I am thankful to have been able to help produce and edit this passion project, and work with such a talented group of people. Hopefully in the future, there will be more stories to tell. – RYAN LAM/The Vibes file video, December 31, 2021

Recently, more and more women are taking the lead by sharing sexual harassment experiences on social media. Much of it inspired coach Kal Rejab to open Malaysia’s first women mixed martial arts studio.

Fitness Champ only allows female staff, coaches, and members to enter its premises. However, I was given permission to enter to record the video.

This gave me a rare glimpse into what goes on in the women-only gym. – NUR MUHARRAM KASIM/The Vibes file video, December 31, 2021