The use of face masks is no longer mandatory on planes, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced today, three weeks after the face mask mandate was effectively lifted for most settings, both indoors and outdoors.
In a statement, he said the new protocol took effect from today onwards.
He said the decision was taken taking into account improvements in aircraft technology and Malaysia’s currently controlled Covid-19 caseload.
He also mentioned factors such as good air circulation in the cabin, use of high-efficiency particulate absorbing filters, forward-facing seat arrangement, and the frequency of in-flight disinfection exercises.
“The easing of these restrictions is also in line with health recommendations from countries such as the European Union, UK, US, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore,” he said, adding that the need for face masks during flights would remain at discretion. from destination countries.
He also encouraged the use of face masks for those with symptoms such as fever, cough and runny nose, those in the high-risk category, and those traveling with such individuals including the elderly and children.
The government requires the use of masks at the height of the pandemic on August 1, 2020.
Face masks were made optional outdoors on May 1, as part of the country’s move towards the endemic phase of Covid-19.
On September 1, the use of face masks will also become optional indoors, with the exception of health facilities and public transportation including e-hailing vehicles.
Individual venues are also given the option to insist on the use of face masks.
