THE National Security Council (NSC) today released a list of 14 places and events where wearing a mask is mandatory.

Apart from the compulsory use of masks when riding public transport as announced earlier, it has listed other “public places” and “crowded places” as:

* All houses of worship, whether mosques, surau, churches or temples;

* Clinics and hospitals;

* All markets, including agro markets;

* Cinemas and theatres;

* Retail outlets, defined as shops, laundromats, restaurants, shopping complexes, supermarkets, workshops and petrol stations;

* Salons, barber shops and beauty parlours;

* Spas and reflexology centres;

* Family entertainment centres; and,

* Zoos.

The NSC also listed social gatherings and sports and recreational events when attending as a spectator, as other events where a mask must be worn.

However, it is not mandatory to wear a mask when driving or travelling in private vehicles.

It is also not compulsory for children under the age of 2 or when taking part in sports or exercises.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on July 23 that masks in crowded areas and on public transportation would be mandatory starting August 1.

The decision followed the recent increase in Covid-19 infections and the public’s growing complacency and failure to comply with the standard operating procedure on health protocols to curb the spread of the coronavirus. – August 5, 2020.