THE Health Ministry does not intend to mandate the use of masks in schools amid concerns over the spread of a new Covid-19 variant, the Malaysian Medical Association said.  

Its president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said it was more important to wash or sanitise hands than to wear masks in schools.  

“Teachers should do their part by reminding students to sanitise their hands more frequently and avoid touching their face,” he said in a statement today.  

Muruga Raj said only students having symptoms should wear masks.  

“They should get tested and isolated if they are positive, in line with the Health Ministry’s Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek system.  

“Only students with symptoms or medical conditions that may put them at high risk should be wearing masks,” he said.  

As an added preventive measure, schools should get their teachers and students to do a self-test the day before attending school, he said.  

“But this should only be for a brief period, to prevent outbreaks in schools after the Raya holidays,” he added.  

Muruga Raj also advised parents to encourage their children to stay healthy by observing a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking up sports as these simple steps would help them build a stronger immune system – the body’s natural defence against illnesses.  

He said vaccination, wearing masks, and sanitising hands were not the only important components in managing Covid-19.  

He added that people must take steps to look after their health – a key point that has not been sufficiently emphasised.  

“A person with a weak immune system will have an increased risk of getting severe coronavirus,” he said. 

Earlier today, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the ministry was considering reintroducing the usage of masks in schools.

Zaliha said she would meet Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek soon to discuss the matter and that new guidelines and standard operating procedures for pupils would be issued prior to the reopening of schools on May 2. – April 26, 2023.