KUCHING: Kuching City South Council (MBKS) will on Monday (Sept 11) decide whether to make it mandatory for hawker stall operators under its jurisdiction to continue wearing face masks.
Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said this was because food handlers would be in close contact with the public.
“Putting on a face mask is not just a preventive measure against Covid-19 but at the same time maintains hygiene.
“This is important for both the food handlers and also the consumer,” he told reporters when met after the electric and electronic e-waste buy-back campaign at the Mayor Song Swee Guan Park here on Sunday (Sept 11).
Although the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced the use of face masks indoors is now optional, Wee encouraged the public to continue wearing face masks, be it indoors or outdoors.
“To me, face masks can actually protect ourselves and others, so there is nothing wrong if you want to use your face mask.
“However, it is up to the individual. But if you ask me, I think we should continue to use a face mask when indoors.
“Maybe we continue to wear face masks for another few more months and see whether the cases have reduced, then the public can decide whether to wear the face masks or not,” he said.
For the council, Wee said its staff will still continue wearing masks indoors.
“I also urge individuals who will be going to MBKS such as to pay their assessment bills and others to put on a face mask for protection and to the protect staff,” he said.
“As for shop owners, they have the right to impose whether to the public must wear masks inside their shops.
“So, they can put up a notice to make those entering their premises wear a face mask,” he said.
He added MBKS will also prepare spare face masks at its building.
“This is just in case people don’t use a face mask, we will have a spare mask for them,” he said.
