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MOH: Only These Four Groups Not Required To Wear Face Masks

MOH: Only These Four Groups Not Required To Wear Face Masks

The announcement comes just as wearing face mask in public is made mandatory from 1 August onwards.

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The Health Ministry has outlined four specific groups that are exempted from wearing face masks now that it has been made mandatory since 1 August in crowded public places.

In a statement released on 30 July by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, the groups that are not required to wear face masks are:

  1. Children below 2 years of age
  2. Those with breathing difficulties
  3. Unconscious individuals
  4. Those with disabilities or cannot remove face masks without help

However, the Health Minister says that the 3-ply surgical masks is highly recommended for people presenting flu-like symptoms as well as high risk individuals such as those above 60 years of age or with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

The Health Ministry highly recommends 3-ply surgical masks be worn by those with flu-like symptoms and individuals in high-risk groups.
(Credit: Miera Zulyana/Malay Mail)

Non-medical face masks are recommended for those who do not have any symptoms but find themselves in crowded areas where physical distancing cannot be observed – eg, public transportation, workplace and shops.

While not actively encouraging the use of non-medical fabric face masks, the Health Ministry highlights that Malaysians should use only those with the following three layers as specified by the World Health Organisation (WHO):

  • Inner hydrophilic layer that can absorb water, made from cotton or cotton blend
  • Middle hydrophobic layer that can repel water and increase filtration, made from non-woven synthetic material such as polypropylene plastic or cotton
  • Outer hydrophobic layer that is waterproof and limits the entry of pollutants into the wearers’ nose and mouth, made of polypropylene plastic, polyester or a blend.

On 23 July, Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that wearing a face mask in crowded public areas and public transportation is mandatory from 1st August onwards.

Those who found violating this rule will be fined RM1,000 in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.


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