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.
Meanwhile, spaces will be allowed to operate at full capacity without social distancing although practising it is still encouraged in situations without masks.
Negative individuals released from quarantine after day 4
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 a Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) officer, either physically or through virtual consultation.
The acquired results will then be uploaded by the officer 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.
Travellers no longer required to test prior to and after departure
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.
Travellers who are partially or not vaccinated will have to conduct an RT-PCR or professional RTK-AG test two days pre-departure and again 24 hours post-arrival into the country, and undergo five-day quarantine upon arrival and conduct another test on the fourth or fifth day.
Symptomatic travellers who reach Malaysia’s international arrival gate will be subjected to a professional RTK-Ag test.
All travellers are still required to apply for a Mysejahtera Travellers Card which will be presented upon arrival in Malaysia, however, travellers are no longer required to purchase Covid-19 insurance.
Those who intend to visit Saudi Arabia to perform umrah and haj pilgrimages will be required to take their booster dose.
Open houses allowed for Hari Raya
Meanwhile, the minister also announced numerous protocols during the Hari Raya celebrations next week, including for indoor open houses, provided that guests wore their masks.
Other protocols include takbir raya and Sunnah prayers in mosques, surau and 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. - Mkini
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