BY AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI & ELLISIA TINGASS
KUCHING: Since 2020, Malaysians have been wearing masks in public places because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, however, the government announced that face masks would no longer be mandatory on public transport and at healthcare facilities effective July 5.
While many individuals welcome the relaxation of the mask requirements as a sign of progress and a step towards normalcy, others express concerns about the potential risks associated with the easing of restrictions.
New Sarawak Tribune recently met some individuals for their opinions on the matter.
AWANGKU HARRAZ AIMAN, 24
(Software engineer)
I oppose the idea of not using masks at healthcare facilities. However, I think it is okay not to use masks on public transport as there is a lower chance of diseases being spread there compared to hospitals.
AINUL AZFARIENA PENDI, 24
(Student)
I think it is essential for the government to make the wearing of face masks mandatory in the hospitals while the masks are not necessary on public transport. The rationale behind this is that hospitals host a variety of diseases. In contrast, public transport primarily involves interaction between passengers and drivers, which can be more easily controlled by individual choice and responsibility.
MARGARET MARY MAZLAN, 23
(Student)
In open places, face masks may not be required. But in closed places such as places of worship and government departments, the wearing of face masks should be mandatory. For me personally, it has become a habit to wear a mask in certain places full of people as a precaution.
NURAIN MAISARAH ABU BAKAR, 23
(Student)
The decision to ease the wearing of face masks varies by location and depends on factors like vaccination rates and infection rates. It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by local health authorities on the wearing of face masks for personal and public health.
