Face mask mandatory for crowded spaces, public transport from Aug 1

CORONAVIRUS | The use of face masks will soon be mandatory for public transport and “crowded” spaces.

According to Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the ruling will come into effect on Aug 1.

He said this after expressing concern over the increasing disregard for standard operating procedures (SOPs) set during the recovery movement control order (MCO) including social distancing and the use of face masks. 

This, he said, had contributed to the recent rise in the number of Covid-19 cases and infection clusters detected in the country.

“The Covid-19 infection trend indicates a gradual increase and the Health Ministry has reported a decrease in SOP compliance among the public, including for public transport such as the LRT and KTM.

“The SOP at crowded public spaces, especially closed places, are also being ignored by some. That is why the government has decided that the wearing of face masks in public transport and crowded public spaces will be mandatory from Aug 1,” the defence minister said during his press briefing in Putrajaya today.

He added that the public can opt to use self-stitched face masks as long as they meet the specifications recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which will be disclosed by the Health Ministry soon.

This would take into account the high cost and reliance on disposal store-bought masks, which must be replaced every few hours in a day, he said.

He warned failure to abide by this new ruling would subject the violator to actions in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

The minister urged Malaysians to adhere to the SOP, including use of face masks, even before the Aug 1 start date, especially as many would be celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha at the end of the month.

More strict enforcement 

Yesterday, Deputy Health Minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali said the government was in the midst of gazetting the order for the compulsory wearing of face masks in public places.

Up to 121 individuals were arrested yesterday for violating the recovery MCO by not adhering to adequate social distancing measures and for engaging in activities which breached the set SOPs.

Eighteen of those arrested were remanded while 103 were issued compounds.

Turning his attention to restaurants and eateries, Ismail claimed many operators were also not adhering to social distancing measures.

As such, he warned that strict action would be taken against restaurant owners, operators and patrons who continued to ignore the SOP.

“The government has decided to take stern action [...] whether (to issue) compound, court action or shutting down the restaurant.

This comes as health officials identified a coronavirus infection cluster originating from a restaurant in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

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