For the common good: KL folk still masking up despite relaxed restrictions

KUALA LUMPUR – Many urban Malaysians prefer to err on the side of caution by covering their faces, despite the Health Ministry’s recent move to relax its mask mandate. 

After visiting several crowded areas, The Vibes found that most members of the public were still donning their face masks, especially in areas such as KL Sentral, Nu Sentral and KLCC. 

This comes amid the government’s move to do away with the compulsory requirement for mask-wearing in indoor spaces yesterday and as it looks to progress the nation’s transition to the endemic phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Administration officer Pham Chee Wan was among those wearing masks, saying it was part of the “new normal”, which has turned into a habit for her over the past two years of the pandemic.

Whenever we go out, we will surely get the mask on as we step out of the car. So, I am already used to it. And this makes me feel safer.”

P. Nair, who is in his 20s, said he chose to keep wearing his mask to avoid contracting the virus as he was concerned about his family members who are immunocompromised. 

“I have never been infected with Covid-19, so I want to keep it that way,” said Nair, who works in advertising.

For an 18-year-old student who only wanted to be known as Anis, wearing a mask in public was essential to avoid contracting the Covid-19 virus.

“I’m afraid the virus is still spreading, especially in public places. To be safe, it’s better (for us) to wear it, right?

“This is for the good of myself and others, although I do not live together with any high-risk people.”

She added the situation is similar in her hometown in Manjung, Perak, as people still prefer to keep their masks on in public spaces and whenever they meet. 

A Petronas staff member named Ash said he would keep wearing masks in closed spaces due to the possibility of catching the virus. 

I will keep my mask on, especially in public facilities. Even by chance, I will not take my mask off,” said the Indian national who has been working in Malaysia for eight years. 

At the same time, Carina, who was met in KLCC, said she would adhere to wearing masks for the time being. 

“I think it’s still better to keep wearing a mask, but if you do not want to wear it outside and keep your distance, I think it’s (also) good (as well),” said the Penang-based woman.

A content creator, Awin Zulkifli, believes wearing a mask should be optional although people must take responsibility for their health and for others.

“It depends on yourself, if you know that you are sick or have any symptoms, then you should be responsible for wearing a mask,” she said.

Meanwhile, a tourist from Singapore, Syed, believes the announcement on the relaxed rules was timely as mask-wearing can be a “suffocating” experience. 

“However, there are still people who are concerned about Covid-19. It is safer to wear it still, but at times, if you feel like you don’t have to wear it at some places, it’s fine.

For me, these relaxed rules are helpful as I often experience shortness of breath whenever I wear the mask for an extended period.”

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had said that wearing face masks would no longer be mandatory for indoor areas, except on public transport and healthcare facilities, effective Wednesday. 

He added that the decision was made based on the current number of Covid-19 cases in the country, vaccination rates and hospital admissions for Covid-19. – The Vibes, September 9, 2022

Additional reporting by Lancelot Theseira