Confused? Here's where and when to wear face masks

CORONAVIRUS | The National Security Council (NSC) today released a full list of places and occasions where members of the public have to wear face masks.

The list was released after netizens complained about the ambiguity surrounding the enforcement of the face mask rule which came into force on Aug 1.

Taking to Twitter today, the NSC announced a total of 14 venues and occasions where the face mask ruling will be enforced.

This included public and crowded areas, as well as indoor areas people gather according to NSC's infographic poster.

It is also compulsory for members of the public to wear a face mask when they go to places of worship, hospitals, clinics and retail outlets.

According to the NSC infographic, Face masks are also required when getting a haircut and visits to a spa or a beauty salon.

For those visiting premises, public areas or venues related to sports or recreational activities, a face mask must be worn if they are not participating in any sports activities.

Finally, face masks are also compulsory at social events such as weddings.

Previously, the government only announced that face masks must be worn in crowded public places such as markets, tourist destinations and cinemas.

People who take public transportation such as buses, trains, LRT, taxi and e-hailing vehicles are required to wear face masks.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had previously said the wearing of face masks in wide spaces is not compulsory but encouraged.

On Aug 2, a family in a car was slapped with fines for not wearing face masks.

Ismail Sabri later said the police would revoke fines issued to those found not wearing face masks in private vehicles.

There was also an incident where people having a picnic on a beach were fined which became a topic of debate among netizens.

Here are the places and occasions the public needs to put on face masks:

1. Mosque and surau

2. Non-Muslim place of worship

3. Social events

4. Public transport

5. Zoo

6. School bus/van

7. Sports and Recreation (compulsory when you are not involving sports activity at a premises/venue/public place)

8. Health premises (hospitals and clinics)

9. Markets and Pasar Tani

10. Cinema and live events

11. Retail premises (included shop, laundry, restaurant, shopping centre, supermarket, workshop and petrol station)

12. Barbershops and beauty salons

13. Spas, beauty centres and reflexology centres

14. Family entertainment outlets

- Mkini