Fashion masks a hit as Indonesians, Malaysians seek style in safety

A man wears a face design mask at a traditional market to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Jakarta, Indonesia June 23, 2020. - Reuters

JAKARTA/SHAH ALAM (Reuters): With no sign of the global coronavirus threat easing anytime soon, protective masks are fast becoming fashion accessories for Indonesians and Malaysians keen to add some style and humour to health-wear essentials.

Bespoke masks are catching on in Indonesia, with customers ordering designs with their own faces printed on reusable neoprene material, some with smiling faces, or big red lips, like the one made for 46-year-old Heni Kusmijati.