[UPDATED] Optional mask-wearing? Wait for next week: Khairy

PUTRAJAYA – Putrajaya is expected to announce the relaxation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures pertaining to the wearing of face masks, which are currently still mandatory in the country. 

Speaking at a press conference at Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin alluded that the announcement will be made next week.

“Just wait for next week,” he said briefly, in response to a question on the revision of the current mask-wearing guidelines. 

Earlier, in a separate press conference, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin hinted at the relaxation, which has been implemented by neighbouring Singapore since April 1.

Before beginning the presser, Zuraida alluded that the wearing of face masks will no longer be mandatory after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. 

“I can take off my face mask (to speak), right? It’s okay. After raya, it will be optional,” she said this morning at her ministry.

Speaking at another event at Putrajaya Hospital’s Endocrine Institute today, Khairy reminded people not to be complacent as the country is still in the transition phase to endemicity. 

“We must adhere to all SOPs and public health measures that have been implemented for the past two years.

“God willing, the ministry will announce more relaxations, bit by bit and from time to time, for us to return to normalcy. 

“But let’s slow down on that, as long as we are safe and let’s not repeat the mistakes of other countries,” he said. – The Vibes, April 22, 2022