Sentiments of Malaysian Newspapers During The Movement Control Order (Mco) Phase 1: Economic and Consumer Content Analysis

The delivery of news plays a crucial role in society, especially during times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the world, leading to a shift in daily lives and the emergence of the "new normal." Newspapers have a vital role in delivering news to the public, setting the tone and message during times of crisis. This paper focuses on exploring the sentiments and themes related to economics and consumption reported in major Malaysian-language newspapers during Phase 1 of the Movement Control Order (MCO), which took place from March 18 to March 31, 2020. The study employs a content analysis approach to identify the main themes of news related to economics and consumption during this two-week period. The analysis focuses on two major Malaysian-language newspapers, namely Berita Harian and Harian Metro. The collected news articles were categorized based on titles, issues, and themes, specifically related to economics and consumption. The findings of the study reveal that the main themes in both newspapers revolve around the government's responsibility in ensuring an adequate supply of essential goods. Additionally, the newspapers extensively cover the government's role in stimulating the economy through general and special assistance programs, as well as providing information about economic sector procedures for operation. Overall, the tone conveyed by both newspapers is positive, highlighting the government's efforts in providing information about lifestyle changes and introducing assistance measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the significance of newspapers in shaping public sentiment during a crisis and provides valuable insights into the economic and consumer-related content during Phase 1 of the MCO. The findings can contribute to a better understanding of public perceptions and government initiatives in managing the pandemic's economic impact. Further research can explore the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and consumer behavior, as well as the evolving role of media in shaping public sentiment in crisis situations.