WEARING face masks on public transport was not compulsory, but encouraged, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said, amid rising Covid-19 cases in the country.
“Any policies or rules regarding face mask usage can only be established by the Health Ministry (MOH). The Transport Ministry would not set our own policy (regarding the matter).
“It is not compulsory (to wear face masks while on public transport), we only encourage it, so it is up to members of the public,” he told reporters after officiating the China (ChongQing)-Malaysia New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Regional Cooperation and Exchange Conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government would not reinstate restrictions such as the Movement Control Order despite the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in Malaysia.
The situation was still under control, and healthcare facilities were not burdened, as a result of MOH strengthening its Covid-19 Management Plan, which outlines five main strategies, he said.
A total of 20,696 Covid-19 cases were reported from December 10 to December 16, which is an increase of 62.2%, compared with 12,757 cases the previous week. – Bernama, December 19, 2023.
