Mask optional indoors, says Khairy

THE wearing of masks indoors is now optional and with immediate effect, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

However, he said that masks must still be worn in hospitals, public transport and nursing homes.

Khairy said premises owners can still decide whether or not visitors need to wear masks, he said.

Despite the mask mandate being scrapped, Khairy still encourages the use of masks to mitigate the spread of the virus.

“The wearing of masks is mandatory for people that test positive, when using public transport, such as bus, trains, e-hailing, planes, school buses.

“It is also mandatory in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, care homes, dialysis centres, etc,” he said during a press conference.

Khairy said masks are still encouraged at crowded areas.

“It is highly recommended in crowded areas such as night markets, stadiums, shopping malls or houses of worship.”

“Those who show symptoms of fever, cough and flu are also encouraged to wear them.

“Masks are also recommended to be worn by high risk individuals such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases, low immunity and pregnant women.

“Those doing activities with high risk individuals such as the elderly and children should also put on masks,” he said.

He said though the new protocol is effective immediately, the ministry will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation in the country.

The easing of the mask mandate does not mean the public can take the risk of Covid-19 infections lightly.

“They now have a bigger responsibility to not only protect themselves, but the community too.” – September 7, 2022.

The Malaysian Insight