13/9/2022

Generally national mask mandate in Malaysia was over on 7 September 2022. Except for public healthcare institutes and public transportation chamber, facial masking is no longer obligatory for public. This decision was implemented as similar as in other countries such as Singapore and Thailand.

I anticipate this decision as mask-wearing is actually one of the temporary measures to control spread throughout the pandemic peak season. Even though mask can create sense of security among surrouding people amid that period, it does not means mask-wearing (except when intaking foods and beverages) can eventually stop virus from spreading from one to another one. 2 months after implementation of mask mandate on 1 August 2020, confirmed cases spiked significantly and continue to fluctuate in next 11 months before even higher peak reached in July 2021. The cases started to decline significantly only after October 2021 after mass vaccination is done among the adult population. The similar situation took place after Omicron variant peak is over since April 2022.

In short, based on the result of mask mandate implemented in Malaysia and other countries such as in European countries, it did not improved much in stopping and slowing spread as promised by local and international medical experts such as CDC in America. Therefore, focused protection of the vulnerable population and providing early treatment are highly recommeded as long-term measures. I still remember that no mask mandate was issued and implemented during the pandemic of SARS and A(H1N1) in 2003 and 2009 respectively by our government. If someone really want to continue mask-wearing, let him/her be, and I will respect his/her decision to do so. I will never question or suspicious with those who choose to not wear mask.

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13/9/2022

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