Govt urged to educate first before making masks compulsory

PETALING JAYA: Members of the public have urged the government to enforce standardised implementation and run an awareness campaign on the proper handling of masks should they decide to make wearing masks compulsory.

Admin executive Nabilaa Shuhaimi, 29, believes the public needed to be thoroughly educated about the handling and disposing of masks before the ruling is enforced.

“I also think that the mandatory rule of wearing mask should only be at crowded or high-risk areas, ” she added.

Nabilaa also believes that the mandatory rule should focus on those who are more susceptible to the coronavirus such as those with chronic diseases, the elderly and children.

Consultant Aldric Tinker Toyad said face masks should be worn in tandem with other measures such as regularly washing or sanitising hands.

“The plan also needs to be supported by the community’s effort to educate its members on why wearing the mask and other personal hygiene measures are crucial in combating Covid-19.

Housewife Maziah A. Rahman, 59, said: “I hope the government will not make the decision on a trial and error basis and ensure the SOP is maintained to make sure the public continuously complied with it.”