The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has advised the public to remain vigilant and keep a face mask on hand if needed.
This follows Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s announcement today that masking indoors is now optional, but subject to premises owners’ approval.
MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai, in a statement today, reminded the public that in spite of this shift, all individuals have to be responsible for keeping the spread of the coronavirus at bay.
“The people are reminded that there are still cases of Covid-19 infection happening around us and each of us has to be responsible for keeping the infections at bay.
“Though there are many instances where the mask mandate has been removed, we still need to be vigilant and keep a face mask on hand to be used when needed.
“I believe that our people are mature enough to understand social responsibility after having experienced more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Koh.
Masks also useful against other diseases
Notably, MMA had previously lobbied for the mask requirement to be dropped.
On Aug 31, it had recommended that the government review current regulations on the use of face masks in enclosed spaces, supporting a rising trend among countries to drop the requirement, including neighbouring Singapore.
Koh had then said the number of Covid-19 cases in the country appears to have reached a plateau.
In his statement today, the MMA president said that wearing a face mask was also useful to prevent the spread of other airborne infections amid a spike in influenza infections.
“Face mask wearing is not only for preventing the spread of Covid-19, but is also useful to prevent the spread of other airborne infections.
“We are currently facing a high number of influenza infections and the judicious use of face masks will help in the control of influenza as well,” said the MMA president.
He added that premises owners can decide to either enforce masking indoors or make it optional.
The new ruling is effective immediately, although Khairy said the Health Ministry strongly encouraged the public to continue wearing masks indoors.
Wearing masks is still mandatory when using public transport - including e-hailing cars and school buses - as well as at health facilities such as clinics, hospitals, and dialysis centres, and if a person tests positive for Covid-19.
Wearing masks indoors is also encouraged when at crowded places such as places of worship, stadiums, or when displaying symptoms, and for high-risk individuals.
Decision based on data, studies
Meanwhile, National Recovery Council chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision to make masks optional indoors was made based on data and scientific studies.
“I think this is a good development. We can’t force (people to wear masks) if the situation (the Covid-19 pandemic) has improved, and we also need to think about comfort, we just have to be careful.
“If we feel uncomfortable and want to wear it, then wear it, but if it feels safe even if the situation is not necessarily safe, that’s up to you because it (wearing masks) is no longer a thing like it used to be,” Bernama quoted him telling reporters at a function in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. - Mkini
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