Covid-19 preventative measures practised on public transportation, assures Transport Minister

PETALING JAYA: While restrictions have been eased for the fourth phase of the movement control order (MCO), Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) assures that preventative measures are being practised in the public transportation sector as public safety is paramount.

Standard operating procedures in place, says Dr Wee, are compulsory temperature checks for every commuter, wearing of face masks, practising social distancing and the daily sanitisation of trains, MRTs, LRTs and buses.

He said that if any passenger exhibits a high temperature, they will not be allowed to board any public transportation.

“After the temperature check, we will also get them to sanitise their hands, ” he told reporters after visiting the Bukit Bintang MRT station on Monday (May 4).

Dr Wee also stressed that passengers must wear a face mask when on board any public transportation.

He said passengers are allowed to request for face masks from their respective public transportation provider, but stressed that free face masks would only be distributed for about two days beginning Monday (May 4).

“Malaysians were given face masks so I think there should be no reason not to have face masks.” he said, adding that these would be given free for only two days to “educate” commuters.

“Bring face masks if you can. We are not particular about the quality of the face masks. Just wear one, that is our only request, ” he said.

Dr Wee added that auxiliary police officers and staff members in all public transportation stations have been ordered by the Transport Ministry to ensure full compliance on the SOPs to prevent any spread of Covid-19.

“This is for our own good and it is not troublesome. We want to ensure the safety of our passengers.

“We have also ordered all of our public transportation operators to conduct sanitation daily so we can maintain hygiene and health, ” he said.

Dr Wee also said passengers should remind each other about the need to comply to the existing SOPs of wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.