Fabric mask should be typically worn by people who has no Covid-19 symptoms while medical mask should be worn by medical workers, the elderly and those with underlying health issues
Starting 1st August, it was announced that it is compulsory for everyone in Malaysia to wear face mask in crowded public places.
Senior Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the public can also wear hand-made masks that comply with the specifications provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
And now, it is a common sight to see people wearing handmade fabric face mask of medical mask in public.
According to the WHO, fabric masks can be worn by people who have no Covid-19 symptoms where it is widespread and physical distancing of one meter cannot be achieved.
These people may include social workers, cashiers and servers.
It can also be worn in busy setting such as the public transport, workplace, grocery stores, and other crowded environment.
Medical mask or surgical mask on the other hand should be worn by healthcare workers, people with Covid-19 symptoms and those who are taking care of people with suspected Covid-19 symptoms.
It is also advisable for elderly people as well as those with underlying health issues and also for people where Covid-19 is widespread and physical distancing of one meter cannot be achieved to wear medical mask.
Those who flout the mandatory mask rule can be subject to prosecution under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 that provide for a fine of up to RM1,000.
The law also imposes a penalty of six months’ imprisonment, or both fine and jail.
