KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are maintaining their vigilance and continue to wear face masks out of doors even though it is no longer compulsory.
Starting Sunday (May 1), its use is up to the individual, but remains compulsory indoors and in public transportation, including e-hailing vehicles.
Scanning QR codes using the MySejahtera app before entering a building is also no longer mandatory.
Checks by Bernama at several states, however, revealed that most Malaysians continue to observe the recently-compulsory standard operating procedure and were rather hesitant to stop.
In KUALA LUMPUR, checks at KLCC Park found that many visitors there were still wearing face masks.
Edison Yap, 34, a visitor, said not wearing face masks in public areas felt awkward.
He was spending his Labour Day holiday with his wife and child at the park and said that they all chose to continue wearing face masks.
In SELANGOR, checks at the farmers' market in Section 13, Shah Alam revealed most visitors were wearing face masks and there were some still scanning QR codes using their MySejahtera app.
Ahmad Fakharudin Abdul Halim, 26, said he forgotten all about the eased restrictions.
He said it had been compulsory for so long that it was no longer a burden after two years of compliance. He noted that the easing of controls would bring relief to Malaysians as it showed that the country was on the path towards recovery.
The situation was the same in JOHOR, as the public were still wearing their face masks at the Larkin Sentral bus station.
Hasnah Ali, 74, and Mohd Yusoff Abdullah, 75, said it was important for them to wear face masks due to their age, a factor that might increase the risk of serious Covid-19 symptoms.
In KELANTAN, a check at a bazaar held in an open area in Kota Baru revealed that people were all masked up.
Mohd Zulhafiz Rosman, 31, who was shopping for Hari Raya AidilFitri, said although the government no longer mandated the wearing of face masks in open places, he would continue to wear it to protect himself.
In MELAKA, checks at a shopping mall in Ayer Keroh revealed the same and in PENANG, not only were the public wearing face masks, but business premises kept their MySejahtera QR codes on display as well.
Grocery store owner Anwar Sadat, 42, said he would continue displaying the MySejahtera QR code.
"Whether customers want to scan or not, it's up to them. I also make face masks compulsory in my store," he said. – Bernama
