KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on whether to ease the current indoor mask mandate in most public spaces will be announced by Wednesday (Sept 7), says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
"We are already discussing the matter internally. We have to prioritise the safety and health of the public before we finalise any decision as we will try to include as many opinions as possible.
"Even now, I am still receiving feedback from people on the issue but I will be announcing the final decision by this Wednesday (Sept 7),'' he said during the National Organ Donation Awareness Week's closing ceremony in Dataran PPR Seri Alam 2 here on Sunday (Sept 4).
Khairy said that regardless of the decision, the public still needs to be wary of Covid-19 as it is still deemed as a public health emergency and of international concern.
"Until the end of December this year (2022), the government still reserves the right to re-enact Act 342 throughout the country should the Covid-19 situation worsen," he added.
Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), the government can impose lockdowns and regulations similar to the Covid-19 lockdown, and individuals found guilty can be fined up to RM1,000 or be jailed up to six months.