MOST people will continue to wear masks to protect themselves from Covid-19 even if the government decides to drop the masking mandate.

The mandate was introduced in August 2020 to stop the spread of virus but Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is considering dropping it fully after announcing that masks were no longer required outdoors.

The Malaysian Insight spoke to Malaysians across the country to find out if they think the item is still necessary.

* Firman Ghazali, 25, franchise operation manager, Selangor

Firman said he will continue wearing a mask at all times, especially indoors and in crowded areas.

“Even people with no symptoms can transmit the virus so I would rather wear my mask,” he said.

Firman said he does not think now is the best time to remove the mask mandate.

“Even with the vaccines, there are still new cases daily and some do show heavy symptoms.

“Until we are certain of the treatment, it’s very important to take full precautions,” he said.

* Yip Ze Liang, 25, product manager, Ipoh

Yip said he will only mask up in crowded places like malls and on public transport.

He will stop wearing the mask if the government lifts the mandate.

“We need to go back to our normal lives without fear at some point. Plus I don’t see the point if I am the only one wearing it,” he said.

“We should face the fact that Covid-19 will always be around and start being responsible for our own health.

“If you are sick, just stay home,” he said.

* Ng Foo Mun ,65, animal shelter owner, Selangor

“If the government removes the mandate, I will still wear it because I want to take care of myself.

“The government can remove the mandate but we have to be responsible for ourselves,” he said.

* Preshant Menon, 27, emcee, Malacca

Preshant said he does not care much for masking as many do not seem to be doing it.

“I do, however, always have a mask on me – like my IC – and will wear it when I get into a crowded lift or anywhere where it’s still mandatory.

“If the government removes the mandate I’ll probably stop carrying a mask around.

“I’m all for wearing a mask but we are having an excess number of masks everywhere, and no one seems to buy reusable masks,” he said.

He added it is frustrating to see masks littering the roads.

* Nur Milya, 30, marketing agent, Johor

“I take Grab to commute to work so I will definitely wear a mask since I’m in a car with a stranger.

“I will also wear one if I go to the mall but then that it depends on how crowded it is,” she said.

* M. Sashi, 36, e-hailing driver, Penang

Sashi said he will still wear his mask especially when he is on duty.

“It is worrying sometimes to have to pick up customers of all backgrounds knowing that I’ll be going home to my kids afterwards.

“So whether the government removes the mandate or not, I will be wearing my mask for my own safety and my family’s,” he said.

* Angeline Ang, 28, producer, Kuala Lumpur

Ang will only wear a mask where it is crowded.

“After two years, I think it’s time the government remove the mandate and let people make their own decisions.

“I’m sure Malaysians are aware of when they should wear one by now.

“For instance, if I were to take the train I would definitely wear one but if I’m walking on the street, maybe I won’t wear it ,” she said.

Malaysia yesterday showed a slight dip in new Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours, logging 1,486 cases. – September 7, 2022.