Ismail Sabri: Face masks must be worn in markets, tourist spots, cinemas (updated)

PETALING JAYA: Face masks must be worn in crowded public places such as markets, tourist destinations and cinemas, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“Starting Aug 1, it is mandatory to wear face masks in public transportation, such as bus, trains, LRT, taxi, e-hailing vehicles.

“Crowded public places, that are listed by the National Security Council, include wet markets, wholesale markets, night markets and supermarkets.

“Tourist destinations, as well as cinemas, have also been designated as crowded public areas, ” he said in a press conference on Monday (Aug 3).

The Senior Minister (Security) said it was not compulsory to wear masks in one’s own private vehicle.

“It is very clear that the rules apply to public vehicles. If you are in a car with your family, you do not need to wear masks, that is your private vehicle.

“If you are in the car with your colleagues who you see every day, you would know whether they have Covid-19, so you would consider that a private vehicle, ” he said.

Ismail Sabri said it was wrong that some Malaysians have been issued summonses for not wearing a mask in a private vehicle.

"I have discussed the matter with the police, and they will cancel such fines.

"If those wrongly fined have already made payments to the Health Ministry, they can claim the amount back from the Ministry," he said.

He also said it was not compulsory to wear masks at places where there was ample room for social distancing, such as football fields.

He added that it was also not compulsory for children under the age of two to wear masks or when engaging in physical activities.