Police to revoke fines issued for not wearing face mask in private vehicles

The police will revoke fines that were issued to those found not wearing face masks in private vehicles, said Defence Minister (security cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a media conference today.

"Yesterday, there were fines issued (for not wearing masks) against those in private vehicles.

"I have discussed this matter with the police, they will revoke the fines. If they have paid the fines, they can ask for a refund," he said.

Ismail did not specify the number of people that were fined.

Since August 1, the government has made it compulsory for members of the public to wear a face mask in the public areas.

However, the ambiguity surrounding the standard operating procedure had irked some people, notably to those who were puzzled after being slapped with fines in certain places.

Yesterday, an incident where a family in a car was slapped with fines for not wearing face masks was viral on social media.

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

Ismail expressed his confidence in the police to use their discretion when issuing a fine in regards to the matter.

He reiterated that it is compulsory to wear a face mask in public vehicles such as bus, taxi, e-hailing car, LRT and KTM, as well as in congested public places.

Congested public places include night markets, supermarkets, wet markets, cinemas, and tourist attractions.

He said it is not compulsory to wear a face mask in a private vehicle and during physical activities.

It's also not necessary for children under the age of two to wear face masks to avoid suffocation. - Mkini