KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — The wearing of face masks in crowded areas and on public transportation is now mandatory starting on August 1, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced today.
He said the recent increase in Covid-19 infections has proven to be worrying, in light of reports by the Health Ministry that public adherence to the standard operating procedures in public is beginning to decline.
“Social distancing and wearing of face masks in public transportation is also not sufficiently adhered to, and in some cases outright ignored by certain quarters,” Ismail said during his press briefing.
He said the decision was motivated by the increase in clusters recently identified by the ministry.
“The public is also permitted to use home-made face masks which follow the specifics issued by the World Health Organisation,” he said.
He also said the mandatory quarantine for Malaysians and non-Malaysians entering the country from abroad will begin tomorrow as the National Security Council has also decided on several other related aspects.
“In addition to having those undergoing quarantine to pay the screening costs and the duration of their stay at the centre or hotel, the council has also decided to permit any children under 12 years of age who travelled with their parents, to stay in the same room.
“Those who wish for their children to share the same room as them must first sign an agreement letter, detailing that they understand the risks of infection should they choose to do so,” Ismail said.
Similarly for sponsored students flying back from abroad, he said they must request their sponsors to cover the costs of quarantining.
“Students from B40 families may apply to be exempted from having to pay the costs. Disabled persons flying in will likewise be exempted from having to pay the costs,” Ismail said.
