By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 30: Enforcement officers will take appropriate actions against business operators and the public who fail to wear face masks when out in public places starting this Saturday (Aug 1).
State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that mandatory mask wearing will come into effect from Aug 1 in public places including shopping malls, public transport, markets and eateries.
“Enforcement officers will take action against operators and customers who fail to put on their face masks (in public places). But of course, you cannot wear a face mask when eating,” he told a press conference to give Covid-19 updates here today.
On the most suitable face mask to use, State Health director Dr Chin Zin Hing recommended a three-ply disposable mask which is commonly available in the market.
“As for reusable face masks, it also should have three layers with a filter layer in the middle,” he explained.
Uggah added that the Health Ministry has come out with the specifications for reusable face masks according to the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“As we make face masks compulsory, we understand that the disposable ones should be changed on a daily basis. So the government also recommended that people can use the reusable ones but the quality should be of certain standard,” he said.
When asked about reports that an individual was compounded for not using face masks before the order kicked in, Uggah said he was not aware of the incident but will look into it.
“When the order kicks off on Aug 1, please wear the face mask properly and use a suitable one.
“We have seen people even covering with scarves during desperate times to prevent droplets from spreading to others like when coughing or sneezing,” he added. — DayakDaily
