Just to be safe, we’re keeping it on, say some

GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry may have lifted face mask requirements, but many Malaysians still prefer to err on the side of caution and keep them on.

Translator B. Premala, 65, said she would still wear masks in public places and not take the risk because others might have Covid-19.

“I have not had the infection so I wouldn’t want to risk it with my health conditions. I have diabetes and hypertension. I will only take off my mask when I’m eating,” she said.

“It has become a way of life for me,” she added.

Tuition teacher Molly Chew, 27, agreed. She said she would make her students put on their mask when in class.

“My students are young – between four and 12 – and I do not want to expose them to the risk of contracting the virus,” she said.

As a teacher, though, she said the mask had to be worn according to the situation.

“We find it difficult to explain things to students while wearing a mask. We need to take it off to show them our pronunciation and expressions during a lesson.

“We will immediately put it on afterwards,” she said.

Rotol Group founder and managing director Datuk Seri Garry Chua, who owns various restaurant chains, said he would continue to encourage his employees to keep their face masks on.

“It’s also hygienic,” he said. “Since we are in the food and beverage industry, it is better to put on face masks.

“Our customers take off their masks during meals, but I will urge my staff to keep them on.”

Many Malaysians, though, said having such options was “the best news ever”.

Even those who did not share this sentiment were glad that owners of premises could still insist on face masks.

“At least now it’s a choice. That should be the way,” said Facebook user Shoddy Singh.

Ben Lau Ck hoped Malaysians were “mature enough to judge” the situation.

“Just hope there’s no spike in cases. We somehow have to move on,” he added.

On Instagram, primroseys9312867 said people would now have a choice rather than being forced to wear a face mask.

“Those who want to wear it should most definitely do so. Those who don’t, can now freely breathe in glorious oxygen.”

Nadya109 said she was happy as it meant she would need not buy masks “as much as before”.

Others, though, expressed reservations.

Helen Chew felt most people would continue to cover up, both indoors and outdoors.

Stephen Dorairaj Sinnappan encouraged others to continue wearing face masks to “protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Instagram user journey_inspirations echoed the sentiment, stressing that it was better to still wear the masks even if others do not do so.

“To protect yourself and vulnerable high-risk family members at home, please be responsible and think of others, not just yourself,” she said.