Report: Face masks on public transport not compulsory for now, says Loke

TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the wearing of face masks on public transport is not compulsory for now although it is encouraged following the recent sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

According to a Bernama report, Loke said any policies or rules concerning the use of face masks can only be established by the Health Ministry.

“The Transport Ministry will not set its own policy (regarding the matter). so far, it is not compulsory (to wear face masks on public transport); we only encourage it. So it is up to the public,” he was quoted as saying.

Loke was speaking to reporters after officiating at the China (ChongQing)-Malaysia New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Regional Cooperation and Exchange Conference in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Dec 19).

Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the government does not intend to reinstate restrictions such as the movement control order (MCO) at present despite the spike in COVID-19 cases.

Dr Dzulkefly said the COVID-19 situation was still under control and healthcare facilities were not burdened, as a result of the strengthening of the COVID-19 management plan which outlines five main strategies.

It was reported yesterday that during the 50th Epidemiology Week (ME) from Dec 10 to 16, a total of 20,696 COVID-19 cases were reported. This is an increase of 62.2% compared with 12,757 cases in the previous week (ME-49). – Dec 19, 2023

 

Main pic credit: The Star

Subscribe and get top news delivered to your Inbox everyday for FREE