Onn Hafiz (third from right) greeting guests at his Hari Raya open house. Looking on is Mohd Jafni (right). — Photo is from Onn Hafiz’s official Facebook page.
JOHOR is looking at standardising the requirement for wearing face masks in crowded open-air areas to address confusion among the public and traders.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the state government would study the matter further before coming up with a standardised ruling.
“There is bound to be confusion among the people since the government lifted the mandatory use of face masks in outdoor areas this month.
“Based on the Health Ministry’s decision, it is clear that there is no longer a need to use face masks in open spaces.
“However, there are also questions on whether this applies to crowded places such as night markets and food stalls.
“Each local council may have its own interpretation of the ruling and can issue different regulations, but it is better if the state government standardises the ruling for all 16 local councils in Johor,” he told reporters when met during Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s Hari Raya open house.
Mohd Jafni was responding to questions raised among traders and the public on using face masks in crowded open spaces such as night markets.
“The matter will be discussed with relevant state agencies soon to address the confusion.
“An announcement on the decision will follow,” he said, adding that a standardised ruling would be implemented on crowded areas such as night markets, stalls, food trucks and other outdoor spaces.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had announced that face masks were no longer compulsory in open areas from May 1.
However, he said the practice was highly encouraged to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
The compulsory use of face masks in Malaysia started from Aug 1, 2020 and was enforced under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
