Remove face mask mandate, Sarawak minister urges state govt

 

Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has said that face masks will remain mandatory, especially in enclosed areas.

PETALING JAYA: A Sarawak minister has urged the state government to consider removing the face mask mandate.

State tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the health ministry and the Sarawak disaster management committee should study the approach of other countries in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

He cited countries like Singapore and the UK, which had loosened the mandate requiring face masks to be worn, and hoped Malaysia would follow suit.

“I would not want to wear a mask if given the choice,” Borneo Post quoted Karim as saying.

He said Malaysia’s Covid-19 strategy appeared more rigid compared to other countries despite the transition to the endemic phase and most economic sectors having reopened.

Currently, the country has no plans to remove the mandate, with health minister Khairy Jamaluddin stating last week that face masks would remain mandatory.

He said face masks must continue to be worn, especially in enclosed areas, because experts say it is one of the best ways to protect against the virus.

Malaysia began transitioning to the endemic phase on April 1, with several SOPs loosened for day-to-day living. - FMT