While the wearing of face masks when out in public areas in Malaysia has been mandatory since 1 August 2020, there has been a bit of confusion about the ruling in general. The National Security Council, or Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN), has since revealed a list of 14 public places in Malaysia where it’s mandatory to wear a face mask. These are:
1. Mosques and Surau
2. Non-Muslim Houses of Worship
3. Social Functions
4. Public Transportation
5. Zoos
6. School Buses/Vans
7. Areas of Sports and Recreation*
8. Health Premises
9. Farmers’ Markets/Wet Markets/Public Markets
10. Cinemas and Live Shows
11. Places of Business^
12. Barbershops/Hair Salons/Beauty Parlours
13. Spas/Beauty Treatment Centres/Reflexology Centres
14. Family Entertainment Centres
*The wearing of face masks is required in these public areas, except when exercising or playing sports.
^These include shops, laundromats, restaurants, shopping complexes, convenience stores, auto repair garages and fuel stations.
Generally speaking, face masks must be worn in crowded public areas, and in enclosed spaces that see heavy foot traffic. Below is an infographic prepared by MKN on these 14 places, which was released on 5 August 2020.
Source: Majlis Keselamatan Negara
Another MKN infographic, released on 4 August 2020, shows a simplified version of the scope of face mask ruling. It details the need for face masks in public areas as per above, but also shows examples of when they are not necessary: when in personal vehicles, for children under the age of two (although MKN advises against taking them to crowded places), and when engaging in physical activities such as exercise.
Source: Majlis Keselamatan Negara
For more info and updates, please click the respective links or call the numbers below.
Majlis Keselamatan Negara
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TEL 03 8872 6817
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (Ministry of Health Malaysia)
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TEL 03 8000 8000