AFTER more than two years of compulsory face mask donning, Malaysians can choose to unmask outdoor with effect from May 1, according to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
While wearing mask will be made optional, masks are still required indoors (in offices) and on public transportation.
“Those who are at high-risk of getting COVID-19 (elderly, with comorbidities or unvaccinated children) may choose to continue wearing masks outdoors,” he told a media conference in Putrajaya.
“They can also remove their masks (indoor) when eating or doing rigorous exercise in the gyms.”
Malaysia has consistently reported lower COVID-19 cases with 3,361 new cases and 13 deaths as of 9am today.
Malaysia made face-mask wearing mandatory from August 1, 2020 with the ruling coming under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
Elsewhere, Khairy said MySejahtera check-in is no longer compulsory with Malaysians no longer need to scan the QR code using MySejahtera from May 1. People may also enter premises regardless of vaccination status from that date.
Also from May 1 onwards, COVID-19 positive individuals may be released from quarantine if they test negative on the fourth day. However, if they test positive or choose not to do a test on the fourth day, they will remain isolated until the seventh day.
Meanwhile, all economic sectors will be open from May 15 with the “negative list” to be lifted effective from the same date. Night clubs will also be allowed to operate from May 15, subject to standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will be announced later.
