Masking outdoors and MySejahtera check-in to be dropped on May 1
However, the wearing of face masks is still required in indoor spaces.
"Wearing a mask is mandatory in indoor spaces, especially...
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has announced a slew of relaxed Covid-19 measures today, including lifting the outdoor mask mandate, effective May 1.
However, the wearing of face masks is still required in indoor spaces.
"Wearing a mask is mandatory in indoor spaces, especially in shopping malls and public transportation, including inside e-hailing vehicles.
"These masks may be removed when conducting heavy exercises inside premises, if alone in an indoor space, when eating and drinking, while speaking and during performances.
"Wearing face masks in buildings and public transport is still important to protect oneself and the people around us, especially those who are high-risk, such as senior citizens, children and immunocompromised individuals," the minister said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.
The wearing of face masks outdoors is optional but highly encouraged, especially when around crowded areas and high-risk individuals.
MySejahtera status still important
Khairy also announced that checking in via MySejahtera before entering premises or public spaces is no longer required.
However, he stressed that the MySejahtera app will still remain relevant for premises owners to check whether individuals are Covid-19 positive or under Home Surveillance Order – two conditions that will not allow someone to enter.
He added that MySejahtera is also an important tool to upload Covid-19 test results and inform patients and close contacts of Home Surveillance Orders.
The continued use of the Bluetooth-based Covid-19 exposure notification feature MySJ Trace is also encouraged.
Meanwhile, businesses are allowed to operate at full capacity without social distancing although practising it is still encouraged in situations without masks.
Test-and-release for Covid-19 patients
Starting May 1, individuals undergoing quarantine will be released if they test negative from their fourth day after testing positive.
However, if they test positive on the fourth day, they must commit to the mandatory seven-day quarantine.
All tests will be self-administered RTK-Ag testing supervised by any doctor registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), either physically or through virtual consultation.
The results will then be uploaded by the doctor to the online e-Covid platform, within an hour, to ensure that the individual who tested negative immediately gets released from quarantine.
This option is purely optional for individuals undergoing quarantine.
Test requirement lifted for vaccinated passengers
Meanwhile, Khairy also announced that Covid-19 testing requirements for travellers pre-departure and post-arrival will be dropped.
This only applies to fully vaccinated travellers above 13 years old, recovered Covid-19 patients six to 60 days from recovery, and travellers under 12 years old regardless of vaccination status.
Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers have to take a Covid-19 test within two days before departure, and again within 24 hours after arrival in the country. The test must be an RT-PCR test or an RTK-Ag test supervised by a medical professional.
In addition, they must undergo a five-day quarantine upon arrival and conduct another test on the fourth or fifth day.
Travellers showing Covid-19 symptoms upon arrival are required to take a professional RTK-Ag test as well.
All travellers are still required to apply for a MySejahtera Travellers Card which will be presented upon arrival in Malaysia. However, they are no longer required to purchase Covid-19 insurance.
Those who intend to visit Saudi Arabia to perform umrah and haj pilgrimages are still required to take their booster dose.
Open houses allowed for Hari Raya
As for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, Khairy said open houses can be held indoors provided that guests wear their masks.
Other protocols include allowing takbir raya and Sunnah prayers in mosques, surau, or at home, with the face mask requirement.
House visits and feasts are also allowed under the condition of wearing face masks.
Face masks remain optional during graveyard visits.
The minister stressed, however, that Covid-19 patients and symptomatic individuals will not be allowed to participate in any Raya festivities.
The minister also announced that handshakes will now be allowed, but reminded individuals to always wash their hands after and to avoid touching their face post-handshake.
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