Khairy: Wearing masks indoor is now optional

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that using face masks indoors is optional based on assessing the current situation of Covid-19.

He also encouraged the public to wear face masks, as they can reduce the spread of infection.

“This new protocol will come into force immediately today (Wednesday). The Ministry of Health (MOH) will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation at home and abroad, in addition to ensuring that health services are in optimal condition to ensure the well-being of the people in the face of Covid-19.

“This flexibility does not mean that the public can take the risk of Covid-19 infection lightly,” he said.

Khairy also said that the people have to take on greater individual responsibility to protect themselves and the entire community.

He said the MOH believes that the public will continue to practise the best self-control, including ensuring personal hygiene, to avoid contracting infectious diseases, including Covid-19, as is currently practised.

Khairy elaborated that using a face mask is still mandatory for positive cases of Covid-19, besides those using public transport services such as buses, trains, taxis including e-hailing services, planes, buses, employee vans and school vans.

This measure is in addition to those in health facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, care homes, hemodialysis centres and equivalent.

“The MOH also strongly encourages the use of face masks to continue to be practised, especially in crowded areas such as night markets, stadiums, shopping malls and houses of worship.

Furthermore, he encouraged individuals with symptoms such as fever, cough and cold, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, individuals with low immunity and pregnant mothers to wear masks.

Khairy also reiterated that wearing face masks outdoors and in open areas is not mandatory.

However, he said the MOH encourages the continued use of face masks outdoors — in crowded areas.

Malaysia has been in the endemic transition phase since April 1. The MOH has implemented various public health prevention and control activities to prevent the spread of Covid-19 cases.

This effort includes the Covid-19 vaccination programme and case management through administering Paxlovid, an antiviral drug to reduce the symptoms of Covid-19.