MALAYSIA has no intention of removing the mandatory face mask requirements in public places anytime soon as it has become part of living under a new norm, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
He said a study was conducted by the ministry between Oct 5 and 11 on Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP).
The study found that 95% of respondents were still observing the SOP and agreed that it should be maintained.
This includes the wearing of face masks and social distancing.
“These methods should be practised as the new norm by all individuals. As such, even if Malaysia moves to the endemic stage, this practice must be continued.
“Additionally, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, we found that countries like the United Kingdom have once again asked their citizens to use face masks,” he told Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi (PN-Bersatu) during Question Time.
Mohamaddin had asked the Health Ministry whether it would ease certain Covid-19 rules considering that several European countries no longer made it mandatory to wear face masks.
The Deputy Minister said the proper use of face masks is considered an effective measure to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“The effectiveness of face masks has been certified by the World Health Organisation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States,” he said.
