KUCHING: Datuk Snowdan Lawan has emphasised the importance of individual liberty in choosing whether or not to use face masks, while also highlighting the need to consider its associated risks.
The Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister acknowledged that the government has lifted the mandate, leaving the decision to wear face masks in the hands of the people themselves.
“If you travel to western countries, you notice that they have gone without using face masks for quite some time.
“In Sarawak, the use of public transportation such as LRT or trains is not applicable yet. Buses and taxis are not too crowded either, but we do have to take caution in other public places, congregations, or events,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune yesterday (June 30).
He was alluding to the announcement made by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa that wearing face masks will no longer be mandatory on public transportation and at healthcare facilities such as hospitals or clinics, effective July 5 this year.
Snowdan said he welcomed the announcement made by the Health Ministry (MoH), adding that the government must have made a thorough consideration of public health issues before the decision was made.
“Those who are still in the vulnerable groups should be mindful of their own immunity level.
“The government has uplifted the rules, but again we leave the liberty of choice to the people to take extra precaution for their own health.
“At this point, health consciousness should be one’s personal priority concern considering the risks it entails,” he said.
Snowdan urged the public to be mindful that the pandemic is still around and is still a public threat.
“It’s true that not wearing a face mask will ease your daily routine, but you have to bear in mind the risks too,” he added.
